Jorveza® (budesonide) is an orally disintegrating tablet for the treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) in adults, that was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on 1 May 2022.

Jorveza represents the first TGA approved and PBS subsidised medication for adults with this chronic and progressive, immune-mediated, oesophageal disease. The efficacy of Jorveza is supported by data from a phase III, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial. The primary endpoint – clinicohistologic remission after six weeks – was met in 57.6% of patients receiving Jorveza (1mg twice daily; BID) versus 0% in the placebo group (p < 0.0001). At week 6 histologic remission was achieved in 93% of patients administered Jorveza, versus 0% in the placebo group (p < 0.0001). After 12 weeks, clinicohistologic remission was achieved in 84.7% of patients administered Jorveza. Jorveza was well-tolerated, and the most common adverse event reported was mild to moderate local candidiasis. No clinically relevant reduction in morning cortisol levels was documented.

Long-term maintenance treatment is recommended, as patients who discontinue treatment may experience a rapid relapse once remission is achieved. Jorveza is available in 1.0 mg tablets for inducing remission and 0.5/1.0 mg tablets for maintaining remission.

Copies of the product information for Jorveza® can be requested by calling Dr Falk Pharma Australia Pty Ltd on 1800 DRFALK (1800 373 255). 

Information about EoE is available on the ASCIA website www.allergy.org.au/patients/food-other-adverse-reactions

This news item was issued on 24 May 2022 by Jill Smith, CEO of ASCIA, the peak professional body for clinical immunology and allergy in Australia and New Zealand.