For anyone in Australia who is currently being prescribed Pegasys® (peginterferon alfa-2a) as a treatment for MPNs, the MPN AA wants to update you on some important changes to how you will be able to access this medicine moving forward.

While many of you will have been getting Pegasys® dispensed at a local pharmacy, this will start to change from 1 September 2024, with a new Pegasys® Home Delivery Program coming into effect.

This program is delivered by Echo Therapeutics (the sponsor of Pegasys® in Australia) through its EchoCare™ service, in partnership with JustMeds – a local specialist medicines delivery provider.

This means you will now have Pegasys® delivered directly to your home, workplace or another location, rather than having go into a pharmacy to pick up your medicine.  Importantly, 1 September is not a hard deadline to switch over to the new home delivery program. We know it may take some time for people to adjust to this new process, so there is flexibility built in for you to be able to transition across to the Pegasys® Home Delivery Program at the right time for you.

Echo Therapeutics has engaged with doctors and nurse practitioners who are involved in the management and care of people with MPNs, along with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Pharmacists have been informed about these changes and will be aware of the new process.

This Pegasys® Home Delivery Program is a short- to medium-term solution.  It will be in place until Echo Therapeutics is satisfied the local supply chain for Pegasys® is more intact and there is a lower risk of unauthorised export.  Once confirmed, it is expected that Pegasys® will become available in retail pharmacies again.

You can find more information about this in the letter attached or visit https://www.echotherapeutics.com.au/echocarepegasyspatient for more information, and step by step guides on how to access Pegasys through the JustMeds partner provider. https://www.justmeds.com.au/pegasys

Alternatively, you can email rx@justmeds.com.au for more information.

As you know, MPN AA does not promote or recommend specific treatments for people living with MPNs. Decisions about any treatments should be made in careful consultation with your haematologist, after taking into account the potential benefits and side effects for each person’s individual circumstances.

Kind regards,
MPN AA Team

Patient Communication Letter from Echo pharmaceuticals re Pegasys

Patient instruction guides