Tuesday, 1 September 2026
Statins for healthy over-70s, Pembrolizumab PBS access expands, Broader GP initiation of ADHD medicines
- 01
Atorvastatin reduced heart attack and stroke risk in healthy over-70s
The STAREE trial found daily atorvastatin 40 mg reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke by 30% compared with placebo in independently living adults aged 70 or older. The Australian-led trial randomised 9971 participants and followed them for an average of six years. Participants had no history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia or other life-limiting conditions, and more than 3400 GPs were involved in the research. Researchers said the first randomised controlled trial of statins in this population could inform updated treatment guidelines in Australia and internationally.
via RACGP newsGP
- 02
PBS expands pembrolizumab access across advanced and high-risk cancers
From 1 September, pembrolizumab will gain a multi-cancer PBS listing for people with advanced and high-risk cancers. The expansion allows subsidised prescribing for advanced cholangiocarcinoma, ovarian cancer and Merkel cell carcinoma, adding to 17 existing cancer indications. Pembrolizumab has also been newly listed in combination with enfortumab vedotin for patients with stage 3 or 4 urothelial cancer. Together with PBS expansions announced on 1 April for cervical, renal cell, and head and neck cancers, the changes are expected to benefit more than 10,000 patients.
via RACGP newsGP
- 03
PBAC weighs broader GP initiation of two ADHD medicines
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee will consider easing specialist-only initiation requirements for atomoxetine and guanfacine at its September meeting. It will also assess subsidised access for patients who have tolerated but not adequately responded to stimulant therapy. RACGP Specific Interests ADHD Chair Associate Professor John Kramer said GPs can currently prescribe the medicines only after a non-GP specialist has initiated them. The review comes amid months-long ADHD care waitlists and a rise in the proportion of Australian adults taking ADHD medicines from 0.35% in 2016–17 to 2.36% in 2025. South Australia has also announced support for 100 additional GPs to complete specialised ADHD assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prescribing training.
via RACGP newsGP
- 04
FDA approves first-in-class rusfertide for polycythaemia vera
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved rusfertide (Mimrylo) to treat erythrocytosis in adults with polycythaemia vera. The first-in-class medicine mimics the activity of hepcidin to control iron levels and reduce red blood cell production, and its label does not require prior treatment with drugs such as ruxolitinib. In Phase 3 testing, 77% of participants receiving rusfertide avoided phlebotomy during the 32-week evaluation period, compared with 32.9% of those receiving placebo. Injection-site reactions and anaemia were the most common adverse events reported.
via BioPharma Dive
- 05
Boston Scientific stops Imager II catheters over tip-detachment risk
Boston Scientific has instructed customers to immediately stop using or distributing all Imager II Angiographic Catheters after a manufacturing problem increased the risk of tip detachment. The company had reported two serious injuries associated with the issue as of 16 July, and the US Food and Drug Administration issued an early alert. The single-use catheters, used to image areas of the peripheral vasculature, were made with reduced levels of stabilising agents in the tip, creating a risk of degradation or detachment and potentially life-threatening vascular obstruction. Boston Scientific said it had not identified an increase in tip-detachment complaints in affected lots but was removing devices made outside design specifications and discontinuing the product. The company told healthcare facilities to check inventory using universal product numbers, noting that devices removed from cartons carry a different code from the outer packaging.
via MedTech Dive
- 06
GP Michael Bonning elected next AMA president
NSW GP Dr Michael Bonning has been elected AMA president and will take up the role in November. Emergency specialist Dr Sarah Whitelaw was elected vice president, with the pair set to replace Dr Danielle McMullen and Associate Professor Julian Rait. Dr Bonning said the AMA’s campaign to modernise Medicare and continued investment in general practice would remain priorities. He also identified medical workforce and training as areas of focus and said he would continue promoting doctor-led care.
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.