On 11 December 2015 the Jurisdictional Blood Committee (JBC) considered recommendations by the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) in relation to the proposed addition of C1 esterase inhibitor concentrate to the national arrangements for supply and funding of blood products administered by the National Blood Authority (NBA).

JBC have agreed to the addition of C1 esterase inhibitor concentrate, for the following indications where MSAC considered that cost effectiveness could be established:

  • treatment of acute HAE attacks
  • pre-procedural prophylaxis (for high risk procedures)
  • routine prophylaxis (for patients who experience eight or more acute attacks per month).

MSAC indicated the need for the NBA to work with the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) to establish clinical guidelines and governance arrangements to reflect funded availability of the products on this basis.  The NBA will commence discussions with ASCIA for this purpose in the near future.

The NBA will also shortly commence preparations for a procurement process to implement supply of the product under the National Blood Arrangements.