Agenda for February 2025 Pharmacology and Therapeutics Advisory Committee (PTAC) meeting

Applications

Ferric derisomaltose (branded as Monofer), an iron infusion, for an inherited blood vessel disorder

The Committee will discuss an application for an iron infusion preparation for people with low iron due to hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).  This lifelong disease causes ongoing bleeding which leads to chronic iron deficiency and anaemia (low haemoglobin). 

Some people with HHT have very high iron needs because of their bleeding. Frequent infusions with funded iron formulations such as ferric carboxymaltose might not be suitable for these people because of the risk of bone-related adverse effects. 

Application for ferric derisomaltose(external link)

In August 2024, PTAC considered a similar application for ferric carboxymaltose. The current application considers a different iron formulation for the same patient group. 

Applications for ferric carboxymaltose(external link)

Rituximab for ANCA vasculitis maintenance treatment 

The Committee will discuss a new application for the long-term use of rituximab to provide maintenance treatment for people with ANCA-associated vasculitis. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is a group of rare diseases that cause inflammation in small- to medium-sized blood vessels in the body. This inflammation can reduce blood flow and damage organs and how they work. 

Rituximab is currently funded for induction treatment (and re-induction) for people with ANCA-associated vasculitis who meet certain criteria. Induction treatment aims to control vasculitis symptoms for a period without symptoms, although symptoms can return. This application seeks to use rituximab as regular maintenance treatment, before symptoms return and to maintain the benefit of treatment. 

Application for rituximab for ANCA vasculitis(external link)

Nivolumab with ipilimumab for mesothelioma 

The Committee will discuss a new application for the use of nivolumab with ipilimumab for the treatment of unresectable malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that covers many internal organs. It most often happens in the tissue around the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), however, also affects some other parts of the body. 

Application for nivolumab with ipilimumab for mesothelioma(external link)

Liraglutide for weight loss 

The Committee will rediscuss applications for liraglutide for the treatment of obesity. Liraglutide is used to treat type 2 diabetes (branded as Victoza) and as a weight-loss treatment (branded as Saxenda). Liraglutide reduces appetite by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing feelings of hunger, which can lead to eating fewer calories and losing weight. 

Previously, PTAC and the Diabetes Advisory Committee deferred recommendations for liraglutide for the treatment of obesity, seeking clarification of the target population(s) who have a high unmet health need and evidence to support its use specifically in the population(s) who would benefit most. 

Applications for liraglutide for weight loss and treatment of obesity(external link)

Benralizumab for treating a form of vasculitis 

The Committee will discuss a new application for benralizumab for the treatment of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) [formerly called Churg-Strauss Syndrome]. 

From 1 May 2024, another biologic treatment (mepolizumab) was funded for people with EGPA who meet certain criteria. This request is to fund benralizumab for the same group of people with EGPA, to provide an alternative option. 

The Committee will also consider whether the use of one of these biologics after the other would benefit people who did not receive enough benefit from first treatment 

Application for benralizumab for EGPA(external link)

Application for mepolizumab for EGPA(external link)

Notification of funded decision for mepolizumab for EGPA(external link)