The Australian Government is providing a further $4.5 million and listing another treatment to ensure the continuing battle against motor neurone disease (MND) is well armed.
The funding will support Australian of the Year Neale Daniher AO and FightMND to continue with their purpose of finding effective treatments and ultimately a cure for MND.
MND is a progressive, irreversible disease where the nerve cells that carry messages from the brain to muscles become damaged and eventually stop working. While some people can live a long life with MND, the average life expectancy is 27 months from diagnosis.
Australians with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common type of motor neurone disease now also have access to Edaravone (Radicava®) listed on the PBS.
Radicava is expected to prevent nerve cell damage, reduce symptoms and slow ALS disease progression in those who start treatment within two years of disease onset.
Around 370 Australian patients are expected to benefit from this listing each year. Without subsidy, they could pay more than $48,000 per course of treatment.
PBS listing means eligible 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, they will pay a maximum of just $25 per script.
Since July 2022, the Australian Government has added 328 new and amended listings on the PBS.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:
"This funding from the Albanese Government will ensure the critical work of Neale Daniher AO and the FightMND team continues.
"MND is a debilitating disease that affects more than 2,000 Australians and it is crucial we better understand the disease, to pursue potential treatment and a cure.
"I am very grateful to have the opportunity to support FightMND at the 2025 Big Freeze event."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Mark Butler:
"MND is rightly considered a beast. It is an insidious disease that gradually affects the use of your arms and legs, your ability to eat and swallow, your speech and finally, your ability to breathe.
"With no effective treatments or a cure, for these patients the focus is on easing symptoms, maintaining quality of life and staying mobile for as long as possible.
"The Albanese Government is proud to continue supporting FightMND's battle against the disease with more funding and this PBS medicine listing."
Quotes attributable to FightMND Patron and Australian of the Year, Neale Daniher AO:
"I want to thank the Albanese Government for this meaningful investment in the fight against MND. Their support gives real strength to our mission, because behind every dollar is a person, a family, a story.
"Australia is now a leader in MND research. Scientists and experts from around the globe want to come here to help us unlock the mysteries of this disease. That's why this funding matters so much. It strengthens the work we're doing. It drives vital projects for Australians living with MND and it keeps us pushing toward effective treatments.
"We have a better understanding of the Beast than ever before. Promising treatments are being explored and hope for a cure on the horizon. But hope isn't enough. We must keep fighting. And with this support, we will."
