VIC CLINIC HAILS NEW HEROIN TREATMENT

The federal government's decision to subsidise a new treatment to
fight heroin addiction was one of the most significant breakthroughs
in decades, a high-profile Melbourne clinic said.

Buprenorphine was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
on Wednesday to increase access and affordability for heroin-dependant
people.

The Raymond Hader Clinic has been using the drug since it was approved
in April.

"I decided to introduce buprenorphine into the clinic from day one,
even though it wasn't yet on the PBS," clinic director Doctor Richard
Smith said today.

"It is far too a significant drug to have sitting on the shelf because
of cost."

The drug is believed to be a safer alternative to treating addiction
than methadone.

"Buprenorphine is a much safer drug than methadone," Dr Smith
said.

"No overdose has been attributed solely to the use of buprenorphine
and it can be taken every two or three days, unlike methadone, which
must be taken daily."

The risks of blood-borne infections such as HIV and Hepatitis B are
also nil, because the medication is taken in tablet form.

Commonwealth and state health ministers yesterday approved the drug
and agreed to expand efforts to combat heroin dependence.