In brief
On November 1, Canberra health minister Mark Butler announced reforms to the PBS that added a child‑friendly form of Trikafta, introduced Tepezza for thyroid eye disease, expanded access to Adcetris for Hodgkin lymphoma, and updated Repatha dispensing limits. The changes are expected to benefit nearly 4,000 Australians each year and reduce out‑of‑pocket costs dramatically. The government has approved 511 PBS listings since July 2022 to support these expansions.
On November 1, Canberra health minister Mark Butler announced a series of reforms to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) that would broaden subsidised drug access for patients with cystic fibrosis, thyroid eye disease, and blood cancer. The changes, effective the same day, aim to bring crucial treatments to thousands of Australians at a fraction of their private‑market cost.
Under the new PBS listing, children aged six to eleven who weigh less than 30 kg and have cystic fibrosis can receive a granule form of the disease‑modifying drug Trikafta. Designed for children who struggle to swallow tablets, the formula is projected to help about 3,300 patients annually. Without a PBS subsidy, a single prescription could cost more than 20,300 Australian dollars.
The government also added Tepezza to the PBS list as treatment for active, moderate‑to‑severe thyroid eye disease. An estimated 310 Australians are expected to benefit each year, providing a new therapeutic option for a rare but debilitating condition.
Adcetris availability has been expanded to provide a first‑line treatment for patients with advanced CD30‑positive classical Hodgkin lymphoma. The PBS listing now covers an additional 370 Australians each year, offering a new, less toxic avenue for those battling blood cancer.
The PBS treatment for high‑cholesterol, Repatha, has been amended to allow patients to receive larger quantities under the government’s 60‑day prescription initiative. Eligible patients will pay a maximum of 25 Australian dollars per prescription, or 7.70 dollars for concession card holders.
The Australian government says it has approved 511 new and amended PBS listings since July 2022, underscoring a broader effort to increase access to essential medicines across the country.
These reforms are part of a continued push by the government to address the high cost of advanced therapies and make lifesaving treatments more affordable for Australians in dire need.
