Australians living with multiple sclerosis and rare cancers will now have access to life-changing medicines thanks to new listings on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
A new form of Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus®) will be listed to treat adult patients with relapsing remitting‑ multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
RRMS is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body's own nerve system, resulting in physical disability, cognitive issues and fatigue.
The new form of Ocrelizumab offers a faster alternative to the current infusion time, with administration taking just 10 minutes. This can reduce time away from work for patients, ease pressure on health services and improve access to treatment, especially for patients living in regional and remote areas.
More than 30,000 Australians are expected to benefit from this listing each year. Without the PBS subsidy, they may pay more than $16,500 for a course of treatment.
Toripalimab (Zytorvi®) will be listed for the first time to treat adults with recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a rare and aggressive cancer that begins in the upper part of the throat behind the nose and has the potential to spread to other parts of the body.
Toripalimab is an immunotherapy that helps the immune system target and destroy cancer cells, improving survival and slowing disease progression.
Around 75 Australians are expected to benefit from this listing each year. Without the PBS subsidy, they could pay more than $218,000 for a course of treatment.
Bimekizumab (Bimzelx®) will be expanded to treat more people with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa.
The long-term painful skin condition causes painful lumps, abscesses and scarring, most often in the armpits and groin. It can lead to ongoing discomfort and emotional distress.
Bimekizumab reduces inflammation and flare-ups, giving people a better chance for long-term relief, helping them manage symptoms more effectively and improving their quality of life.
In 2024, over 2,500 patients accessed a comparable treatment through the PBS. Without subsidy patients might pay over $45,000 per year of treatment.
Pegcetacoplan (Empaveli®) will be expanded to include the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) in adults who don't respond well to existing treatments or who are new to current PNH therapies.
PNH is a rare, potentially life-threatening condition where red blood cells break apart prematurely. Symptoms occur because of the production of defective blood cells and when the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells.
Pegcetacoplan targets a different part of the immune system to help prevent red blood cell destruction, reduce symptoms, stabilise blood counts, and improve quality of life for patients who need an alternative treatment option.
In 2024, around 150 patients accessed a comparable treatment through the PBS, Without PBS subsidy patients might pay over $450,000 per year of treatment.
PBS listing means eligible general patients will pay a maximum of $31.60 per script, or just $7.70 with a concession card. From 1 January 2026, under the government's policy general patients will pay a maximum of just $25 per script
Since July 2022, the Albanese Government has approved extra funding for 386 new and amended listings on the PBS.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"The Albanese Government is making medicines cheaper and helping people with MS maintain their quality of life.
"This listing means tens of thousands of Australians can get the treatment they need faster and cheaper.
"The new PBS listing is part of the Albanese Government's commitment to make medicines cheaper and more accessible for all Australians."
