In brief
In a move to extend subsidised treatment, Canberra announced on Nov. 1 that the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme would now cover a child‑friendly form of Trikafta, the drug Tepezza for thyroid eye disease, and an expanded first‑line option for Hodgkin lymphoma. The changes will also lift quantity limits for Repatha, a cholesterol‑lowering medication. About 4,000 Australians are expected to benefit each year from the updated listings.
On Nov. 1, the Australian government announced an expansion of its Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme that will provide subsidised treatment for more patients with cystic fibrosis, blood cancer and thyroid eye disease, according to Xinhua. The changes affect four medicines and will be implemented immediately.
Health Minister Mark Butler said children aged six to 11 who weigh less than 30 kg with cystic fibrosis will be eligible for a granule form of Trikafta, which is designed for those who have difficulty swallowing tablets. The government estimates that approximately 3,300 Australians will benefit each year from this new formulation.
For thyroid eye disease, the PBS now includes Tepezza, a treatment for active, moderate‑to‑severe cases. About 310 people nationwide are expected to receive the drug under the new listing.
The scheme also expands subsidised access to Adcetris as a first‑line option for patients with advanced CD30‑positive classical Hodgkin lymphoma, benefitting an estimated 370 Australians annually.
In addition, the PBS listing for Repatha, a cholesterol‑lowering medicine, has been amended to allow eligible patients to obtain larger quantities under the government's 60‑day prescription initiative. Under the PBS, patients will pay a maximum of 25 Australian dollars per prescription, or 7.70 Australian dollars for concession card holders.
According to the government, it has approved 511 new and amended PBS listings since July 2022, a move that broadens coverage for a wide range of conditions beyond the immediate additions highlighted by the minister.
