ASCIMINIB

The PBAC recommended the addition of nurse practitioners (NPs) as authorised prescribers for asciminib on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), in the continuing treatment phase of all current indications.
Asciminib is currently listed on the PBS for patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase (CP) or accelerated phase (AP), who had been previously treated with two or more tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). This is in the third-line setting or beyond. It is also PBS-listed for patients with Ph+ CML in CP or AP, who had been previously treated with one or more TKIs and harbouring the T315I mutation. This is in the second-line setting or beyond. The PBAC noted and welcomed input from individuals. The PBAC acknowledged CML as an insidious disease that brings emotional and physical pain to both patients and families.
In its consideration, the PBAC recalled its July 2025 review of General Schedule oncology and haematology medicines, and whether these should be eligible for NP prescribing. Asciminib was not considered at this meeting as it had not been identified for review by stakeholders. For oncological or haematological conditions in general, the PBAC considered that the clinical work up required for a diagnosis and differential diagnosis may be complex and likely require that a patient’s care be overseen by an oncologist or haematologist. As such, the PBAC was of a view that limiting NP prescribing to continuing therapy with a specific medicine was more suitable, rather than allowing NP prescribing in both initiation and continuing settings. It considered that NPs sharing patient care with a medical practitioner would assist in mitigating potential risks. 
In its current decision, the PBAC advised that the listing for asciminib should follow precedent for other NP prescribing items for other drugs in this same class. The PBAC considered that its decision would result in no additional cost to the PBS.