Dapagliflozin is now a PBS-listed treatment for symptomatic heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction, but only in combination with standard therapy.

The new indication and clinical criteria for the SGLT2 inhibitor was added to the PBS on 1 January, less than three months after getting the green light from the PBAC.

Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt said some 75,000 Australians a year would benefit, estimating that for every 100 patients treated with dapagliflozin (Forxiga) in addition to standard treatment, there would be five fewer deaths or hospitalisations from cardiovascular causes.

The new PBS criteria states that dapagliflozin must be an add-on therapy to standard HFrEF treatment, which includes a beta-blocker along with an ACEI or ARB unless contraindicated or cannot be tolerated.