State and Territory Based Sodium-Glucose Transport Protein 2 Inhibitor Utilisation in 2023.

Abstract

Background: Heart Failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality within Australia. Sodium-Glucose Transport Protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have significant morbidity and mortality benefit in HFrEF, yet despite its underutilisation in Australia, state and territory based prescription trends remain unclear. Method(s): State based Medicare Australia prescription statistics for SGLT2 inhibitors were analysed in 2023, and compared to estimated yearly HFrEF burden, based on published projections and Bureau of Statistics data. Result(s): Overall National prescribing of SGLT2 inhibitors is low at 59 per 1,000 HFrEF patients per month. Tasmania has the highest prescription rate at 83 per 1,000 HFrEF patients per month, whilst the Northern Territory has the lowest at 27 per 1,000 HFrEF patients per month. Australia's two most populous states, New South Wales and Victoria, prescribe at 50 and 57 per 1,000 HFrEF patients per month, respectively. Conclusion(s): State based prescription data for SGLT2 inhibitors mirror the national data with significant underutilisation, however significant variability exists that cannot be accounted for simply by population and health expenditure. Our finding suggests more is needed to understand and subsequently address these healthcare disparities.Copyright � 2024