1689.1 – Quantification of NT-proBNP in patients with diagnosed pulmonary arterial hypertension for ongoing risk assessment

At the July 2022 meeting, MSAC considered an application requesting Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) listing of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) biomarker assay for (1) detection of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and for (2) risk assessment of patients diagnosed with PAH.

After consideration, MSAC supported the creation of a new MBS item for the quantification of laboratory-based NT-proBNP testing for detection of PAH in patients with SSc, but did not support public funding for NT-proBNP testing in patients with an established diagnosis of PAH. Application 1689.1 is a reapplication that aims to address the concerns of MSAC and requests MBS listing for NT-proBNP testing in patients with an established diagnosis of PAH.

Measurement of NT-proBNP (also known as N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide or N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide) through a blood test. The blood test is intended to enable the early detection of systemic sclerosis related pulmonary arterial hypertension, and be used as a regular assessment of pulmonary arterial hypertension disease progression.

Type: Investigative technology

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is characterised by increased pulmonary vascular resistance (resistance against blood flow), and may be idiopathic (arising from an unknown cause), or due to other underlying factors or disease associations such as connective tissue disease.

• PASC consultation: Bypassing PASC
• MSAC consultation: Closed Friday 9 June 2023

• PASC meeting: Bypassing PASC
• ESC meeting: 8–9 June 2023
• MSAC meeting: 27–28 July 2023