MELBOURNE, Sep 6, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - A new treatment for schizophrenia in adults, Reagila(R) (cariprazine), was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on 1 September, providing patients with an additional treatment option. Approved in the US since 2015 and EU since 2017, Reagila is approved in over 52 countries for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults.

Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder comprising a range of symptoms - positive symptoms include hallucinations and delusions, while negative symptoms include social withdrawal and apathy.

Affecting some 90,000 Australians, schizophrenia is our most stigmatised and disabling mental illness, with life expectancy nearly 15 years below the general population.

Reagila, in-licensed by Seqirus, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSL, is an atypical antipsychotic which indirectly targets two neurotransmitters in the brain: dopamine and serotonin. Neurotransmitters are considered the brain's 'chemical pathways'.

Professor Ian Hickie, Co-Director for Health & Policy, The Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney and NHMRC Senior Principal Research Fellow said this listing highlights ongoing efforts to provide new treatments for schizophrenia and ensures people living with the illness have affordable access to a wider range of treatments.

"The complex nature of schizophrenia, whereby people experience a range of different problems, means treatment is not a "one size fits all". Additional options are most welcome and help to reduce the current barriers to effective treatment," said Prof Hickie.

"The annual cost to Australian society of psychosis is an estimated $6 billion. However, this figure does not account for the impacts endured by individuals, their families, and the supporting community.

"Schizophrenia is a complex and often persistent mental illness. It not only affects brain function and behaviour but is also associated with serious impacts on physical health. Consequently, it is associated with very high rates of premature death, often due to preventable illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, infections, accidents and suicide," Prof Hickie said.

National CEO of the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (MIFA) Tony Stevenson welcomed the reimbursement of a new treatment option for those living with schizophrenia.

"The availability and accessibility of affordable treatment options for adults living with schizophrenia is crucial for the patient community, given the stigma they experience with the disorder, and resulting social isolation," said Mr Stevenson.

"Sadly, stigma can contribute to the impact of psychosis in schizophrenia, delays in accessing treatment, social isolation, stress, and furthermore, places those affected at higher risk for a more severe course of illness."

According to mental health advocate and policy advisor living with schizophrenia, Richard, 40, Sydney, "mental illness does not make you 'crazy'.

"Everyone needs love and hope, and this applies to those living with a mental illness too," Richard said. "Timely and affordable access to a range of treatment options plays an important role in effectively managing schizophrenia, while importantly, arming the patient community with hope.

"Love gives you a sense of self-worth - of being appreciated, having a net, and not being lonely. Hope gets you up in the morning, and helps to continue one's relationship with mental illness," said Richard.

Dr Jonathan Anderson, Seqirus Head of Medical Affairs Asia Pacific, in Melbourne, said, "The Australian Government's investment in innovative medicines like Reagila(R) is important to ensure Australians have timely and affordable access to treatments which may help to address the unmet need in schizophrenia.

"Seqirus is proud to make Reagila available in Australia for the first time, and we thank the Australian Government for their support in delivering this PBS listing - ensuring Australian adults living with schizophrenia can access this innovative medicine, and do so in an affordable way," Dr Anderson said.

"We know that additional investment in treatment options and support is critical to changing the statistics for people living with schizophrenia, their carers, family and friends"

DIGITAL MEDIA KIThttps://www.schizophreniamediakit.com.auVNRhttps://vimeo.com/592544606/d1188a8813

MEDIA CONTACTSJoanne ClearySenior Manager, Communications, SeqirusM: 0428 816 751 E: Joanne.Cleary@seqirus.com

Kirsten BrucePrincipal Senior, VIVA! CommunicationsMobile: 0401 717 566 / 0421 551 257Email: kirstenbruce@vivacommunications.com.au

Mel KheradiMobile: 0421 551 257, VIVA! CommunicationsEmail: melorin@vivacommunications.com.au

ABOUT SEQIRUSSeqirus, a CSL company, is a leading provider of essential vaccines and pharmaceuticals. We have served Australia's healthcare needs for over a century, and today we operate Australia's only local manufacturing facility for seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccine. Seqirus produces a range of unique medicines in the National Interest, and also in-licences a broad range of paediatric and adult vaccines and specialty pharmaceutical products. http://www.seqirus.com.

ABOUT REAGILA(R)Reagila(R) was TGA approved in November 2020 as a Schedule 4 (Prescription Only Medicine). Reagila is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in adult patients, and was listed on the PBS on 1 September 2021 for schizophrenia, requiring a Streamlined Authority prescription.FURTHER INFORMATIONReagila is not recommended for use during pregnancy, and in women of childbearing potential not using effective contraception. Breastfeeding is not recommended whilst taking Reagila. For further information, including Contraindications, Precautions, and Interactions, refer to the Product Information and Consumer Medicine Information, or your doctor or pharmacist.

Disclosure statementNo compensation was provided to Professor Ian Hickie, Mr Tony Stevenson, Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia or Richard for this media announcement, and the opinions expressed are their own. Professor Hickie has been briefed by Seqirus on the approved use of this product.

REFERENCES1. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Medicine Status Website. CARIPRAZINE. 2021; Available from: https://www.pbs.gov.au/medicinestatus/document/16.html.2. Better Health Channel. Schizophrenia. [June 2021]; Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/schizophrenia.3. Health Direct. Schizophrenia. 2020 [June 2021]; https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/schizophrenia.

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