A Shell Cove mother who has battled breast cancer may soon pay less for her ongoing medication thanks to an innovative Australian social enterprise.
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In what may be a world-first, a new Australian pharmaceutical company will donate all its profits to medical research and patient support.
It's designed to help fund breast cancer support programs today, and medical research tomorrow.
- Melanie Budic
For Benefit Medicines (FBM) is starting with two breast cancer medications, with all profits to go to Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and Breast Cancer Institute of Australia (BCIA).
Shell Cove’s Melanie Budic said the medication she needs to take for the next 10 years is expected to be the next one to be made available under the initiative.
The 40-year-old – who has been cancer-free since a lumpectomy and other treatment in 2012 – said the availability of cheaper medication would benefit all cancer patients.
‘’Fighting cancer can be tough physically, emotionally and financially so having cheaper, generic medications available is extremely valuable,’’ she said.
‘’The medication I have to take for the next 10 years can be upwards of $60 for a two-month supply which, when combined with other expenses, does add up.’’
Mrs Budic was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer in 2012 after discovering a lump in her right breast.
‘’My son had just turned four and I was worried he would be left motherless,’’ she said. ’’But I had a lot of support from family and friends, and from organisations like the BCNA.
‘’I think the FBM initiative is so fantastic because it’s designed to help fund breast cancer patient support programs today, and medical research tomorrow.’’
The FBM medications are available on prescription, and for dispensing through pharmacies nationwide.
Professor Bruce Mann, director of the Breast Service at Royal Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospitals, said the concept of a for-benefit pharmaceutical company was way overdue.
BCNA CEO Christine Nolan also welcomed the philanthropic initiative.
‘’FBM’s model is driven by compassion and places people before profits,’’ she said.
‘’While fundraising constitutes the mainstay of our revenue, having an initiative that provides a constant, daily stream of financial support, is both remarkable and warmly embraced.’’