{"id":844789,"date":"2026-09-12T02:18:27","date_gmt":"2026-09-12T02:18:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/844789\/"},"modified":"2026-09-12T02:18:27","modified_gmt":"2026-09-12T02:18:27","slug":"life-changing-motor-neurone-disease-drug-to-become-affordable-for-australians","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/844789\/","title":{"rendered":"Life-changing motor neurone disease drug to become affordable for Australians"},"content":{"rendered":"

A breakthrough treatment for a rare form of motor neurone disease is about to become dramatically cheaper, offering new hope to dozens of Australians battling the cruel condition.<\/p>\n

The drug Qalsody will be subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from October 1, slashing the cost from $28,000 per script to just $25.<\/p>\n

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Breakthrough MND treatment to become much cheaper<\/p>\n

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n

It\u2019s the first targeted therapy of its kind for a specific form of motor neurone disease, which causes muscle weakness, paralysis and death. Almost 3,000 Australians are impacted by the disease, for which there is no cure.<\/p>\n

Fearless motor neurone disease campaigner Neale Daniher lost his 13-year battle in May. In the same month, NRL star Jai Arrow revealed his diagnosis before an emotional farewell to the game last week.<\/p>\n

Qalsody targets patients with the specific SOD1 ALS genetic mutation, potentially slowing progression of the disease.<\/p>\n

\"QalsodyQalsody now costs $25 per script. Credit: 7NEWS\"LukeLuke Edmondson lives with MND. Credit: 7NEWS<\/p>\n

Luke Edmondson, who was diagnosed at 28 with a new baby, has been taking the drug for two and a half years.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy diagnosis was devastating shock at the time, being a 28-year-old with a new baby,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve noticed little to no progression of my symptoms.\u201d<\/p>\n

Only around 70 Australians a year are expected to benefit from the PBS listing, but in a disease with so few advancements, even a breakthrough for a small group is a big step forward.<\/p>\n

The listing continues the fight for a cure for motor neurone disease.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

MND dad\u2019s \u2018legacy\u2019 after being knocked back for life-extending surgery<\/p>\n

1 min read<\/p>\n

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