From today, Australians with paediatric psoriasis, fibrodysplasia, asthma, cystic fibrosis and blood cancer now have access to new and expanded cheaper medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Adalimumab (Humira®) will be listed for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis for paediatric patients.
Chronic plaque psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin that can be itchy and uncomfortable. In children, it can significantly affect quality of life, leading to emotional distress and reduced confidence.
Adalimumab calms the immune system to reduce inflammation and ease symptoms.
Around 140 Australian children are expected to benefit from this listing each year. Without the PBS subsidy, their families could pay more than $8,000 for a year of treatment.
Palovarotene (Sohonos®) will be listed for the first time to treat fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, which is a rare and severely disabling genetic condition that causes bone to form in muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues.
This extra bone growth makes it hard to move and perform everyday tasks. Even minor injuries can trigger painful flare-ups and new bone formation, leading to loss of independence and a significant decline in quality of life.
Sohonos blocks a pathway in the body that leads to extra bone growth, which may reduce flare-ups and preserve mobility.
Around 10 Australians are expected to benefit from this listing each year. Without the PBS subsidy, they could pay more than $653,000 for a year of treatment.
Dupilumab (Dupixent®) will be expanded to include the treatment of uncontrolled severe asthma in children aged 6 to 11 years who aren't getting enough relief from regular inhalers.
Severe asthma in children can cause frequent coughing, wheezing, and trouble breathing. It can lead to hospital visits, missed school, and make everyday activities harder.
More than 100,000 Australians are living with uncontrolled severe asthma, a serious form of asthma that does not get better through regular management with inhalers and preventer medicines.
Dupixent will offer an additional option for younger patients whose asthma remains poorly controlled despite high-intensity treatment. Without the PBS subsidy, their families could pay more than $11,000 for a year of treatment.
More babies with cystic fibrosis (CF) will benefit from the expanded listing of Ivacaftor (Kalydeco®). Babies aged between one and 4 months, who have at least one mutation in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator gene that is responsive to treatment, can now access this medicine on the PBS.
CF is an inherited disease where mucus in the lungs (and other organs) becomes thick and sticky. Over time, this can cause persistent lung infections, limited ability to breathe and often, irreversible lung damage.
Kalydeco helps CF patients with this certain gene defect by improving the flow of chloride and water to thin and clear mucus in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
Around 5 Australian children are expected to benefit from this listing each year. Without the PBS subsidy, their families could pay more than $264,000 for a year of treatment.
Ruxolitinib (Jakavi®) will be listed for the treatment of adult patients with polycythemia vera who are resistant to or cannot tolerate hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea).
Polycythemia vera is a rare disorder where the body makes too many red blood cells, increasing the risk of blood clots, stroke and heart attack.
Jakavi works by targeting a pathway in the body that controls blood cell production. This helps reduce the number of red blood cells, eases symptoms and lowers the risk of complications.
Around 490 Australians are expected to benefit from this listing each year. Without the PBS subsidy, they could pay more than $32,000 for a year 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, general patients will pay a maximum of just $25 per script.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"The listing of these life-changing and potentially life-saving medications will make a huge difference to people battling serious conditions, including young children.
"The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to give Australians cheaper access to the medicines they need.
"Since July 2022, we have approved extra funding for 360 new and amended listings on the PBS."
