A DRUG designed to extend the lives of people with terminal blood cancer is to become more affordable in Australia.

Azacitidine, which is sold under the name Vidaza, will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from February 1.

The change will mean hundreds of people across Australia who suffer from a group of diseases known as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can spend more time enjoying the many things others take for granted, the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia says.

The syndromes affect the production of normal blood cells in bone marrow.

In one-third of cases MDS progresses to a form of leukaemia.

Dr Anna Williamson from the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia says Azacitidine is the only medication likely to extend life for people with this group of diseases.

Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.

End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.

“Until now, the only real treatment for people with MDS was blood transfusions to relieve common symptoms, which can include fatigue, mouth ulcers and complications from recurring infections due to reduced immunity function,” Dr Williamson said.

“In reality, it means people will spend less time spent in hospital and more time enjoying the things many of us take for granted in life, like playing with grandchildren and travel holidays.”

The Leukaemia Foundation says the drug will be available to people with intermediate and high-risk forms of MDS, some forms of acute myeloid leukaemia and for a subset of people with chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia.