Saturday, 23 May 2026
Bulk-billing impacts independent GPs, Diphtheria outbreak messaging concerns, EMA recommends Jascayd for fibrosis
- 01
Independent GPs Face Challenges Amid Bulk-Billing Push
The Australian government's push for bulk-billing is impacting independent mixed-billing GPs, as highlighted by Newcastle GP Dr Max Mollenkopf. He has split his practice into two distinct arms: a bulk-billing service with shorter appointments and a premium service with longer consultations and continuity of care. Mollenkopf criticises the government's funding model, which favours larger corporate practices over smaller independent ones. He plans to apply for government funding to remain competitive, despite concerns about fairness in the funding distribution.
- 02
Public health messaging urged to avoid blame in diphtheria outbreak
The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) calls for public health messaging that fosters community trust amid Australia's largest recorded diphtheria outbreak, with over 230 cases reported this year, primarily in the Northern Territory. AIDA CEO Dr Peter Malouf emphasised the need to address underlying issues such as access to primary care and culturally safe services, rather than placing blame on individuals for vaccine uptake. The federal government has announced a $7.2 million funding package to enhance vaccination efforts and improve communication through Aboriginal health organisations. Both AIDA and the NT government have expressed support for this funding initiative.
- 03
EMA recommends Jascayd for pulmonary fibrosis treatment
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended granting marketing authorisation for Jascayd (nerandomilast) to treat adults with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF). This new treatment option addresses the limited therapies available for these serious lung diseases, which can lead to severe symptoms and high mortality rates. Jascayd works by blocking the enzyme PDE4B, reducing fibrosis and inflammation in the lungs. Clinical studies demonstrated that patients taking Jascayd experienced a significantly slower decline in lung function compared to those on placebo.
- 04
European Medicines Agency refuses marketing authorisation for Deqtynet
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended refusing the marketing authorisation for Deqtynet, a diagnostic medicine intended for detecting well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The EMA concluded that Deqtynet is similar to SomaKit TOC, which has ten-year market exclusivity since its authorisation in December 2016. Although Deqtynet demonstrated the ability to accurately detect NETs with high levels of somatostatin receptors, the EMA found no robust evidence of meaningful clinical advantages over SomaKit TOC. The company, Cis Bio International, may request a re-examination of this opinion.
- 05
Liraglutide Stada receives positive opinion for diabetes treatment
On 21 May 2026, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommended granting marketing authorisation for Liraglutide Stada, a treatment for insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes. The product, developed by STADA Arzneimittel AG, is a 6 mg/ml solution for injection and contains liraglutide, a GLP-1 analogue. It is indicated for adults, adolescents, and children aged 10 years and above as an adjunct to diet and exercise when metformin is inappropriate. Liraglutide Stada is bioequivalent to the established product Victoza, which has been authorised in the EU since 2009.
- 06
Vijoice receives positive opinion for treating PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum
On 21 May 2026, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommended granting conditional marketing authorisation for Vijoice, intended for adults and children aged 2 years and older with severe manifestations of PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum (PROS). The active substance, alpelisib, is a phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor that reduces abnormal tissue growth. In a study of 57 patients, 37.5% showed a significant reduction in abnormal growths after 24 weeks of treatment. Vijoice will be available in various formulations, and treatment should be initiated by a physician experienced in managing PROS.
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.