Free drug for rare disease sufferers

An expensive life-saving drug for Australians suffering a rare and deadly muscle disease will be subsidised by the federal government.

Health Minister Sussan Ley has committed $40 million over five years to subsidise Myozyme for adult patients with Pompe disease, which causes progressive muscle weakness. The drug is already being subsidised for children.

Patients will receive the treatment, which costs several hundred thousand dollars per year, free of charge from September 1.