Thyroid Cancer Survivors Face Obstacles Accessing Critical Kidney-Saving Drug Yorvipath
Thyroid cancer survivors are encountering significant difficulties in accessing Yorvipath, a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved medication vital for preventing kidney failure in individuals with chronic hypoparathyroidism. Despite its approval, the drug remains out of reach for many patients in urgent need.
Approval and Access Barriers
Yorvipath, designed to replace a missing hormone for those with chronic hypoparathyroidism – a condition often resulting from thyroid cancer treatment – received TGA approval in February 2025.
However, its journey to patient access has been repeatedly stalled. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has rejected Yorvipath's listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) twice since its initial approval.
Currently, patients rely on high-dose calcium and vitamin D, a treatment associated with debilitating side effects including kidney damage, unstable calcium levels, fatigue, cognitive issues, and cardiovascular strain.
Patient Experiences and Advocacy
Hannah Nyx, a counsellor personally affected by hypoparathyroidism following thyroid cancer surgery, reports struggling with severe side effects and the significant risk of kidney calcification, which could necessitate dialysis.
In response to these challenges, Ms. Nyx launched a petition advocating for Yorvipath access, which has successfully gathered over 450 signatures.
Dr. John Forbes, a clinical psychologist and colleague of Ms. Nyx, supports the urgent need for Yorvipath. He criticizes the denial of an effective preventative therapy due to what he describes as