Cost cut on cancer drug

HUNDREDS of leukaemia patients will now be able to get their hands on a revolutionary treatment priced at up to $190,000 for as little as $40.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will today announce a subsidy for the cost of Ibrutinib, used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukaemia when other treatments don’t work.

The $460 million listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme has been praised by medical experts as a major milestone for patients, who are mainly aged over 60.

Almost 1000 Australians a year are expected to benefit.

Mr Turnbull said providing affordable access to the drug “will change and save lives”.