[Janelle Ward]

More Australians with chronic heart failure have access to a subsidised treatment under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The federal health department estimates that more than 480,000 Australians are affected by heart failure with more than 60,000 new diagnoses made every year.

Health minister Mark Butler says empagliflozin (Jardiance®) has been expanded to treat chronic heart failure in patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) greater than 40 per cent.

The listing is expected to benefit 98,000 Australians. Without subsidy, Jardiance would cost patients more than $660 per year of treatment.

The PBS listing means that eligible patients will pay only a maximum of $30 per script, or just $7.30 with a concession card.

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