Thousands of Australians living with schizophrenia, liver disease, lymphoma and anaphylaxis now have access to new treatments through new and amended listings on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

• Australians with schizophrenia now have access to the antipsychotic Reagila® (cariprazine). It is expected that over 39,500 Australians will benefit from this new treatment option. Without PBS subsidy, Australians might pay more than $1,200 per year for treatment.
• Ocaliva® (obeticholic acid) has been listed for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a chronic disease which causes inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts within the liver. Without PBS subsidy, around 890 Australians per year might pay more than $60,500 per course of treatment.
• Anapen®, an alternative brand of adrenaline auto-injector, will also be listed on the PBS for the first time for Australians with anaphylaxis, the most severe form of allergic reaction. Over 126,000 people would otherwise pay approximately $80 for this treatment without PBS subsidy
• Australians living with previously untreated CD30 positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) will also benefit from the extension of Adcetris® (brentuximab vedotin) on the PBS. Around 65 Australians per year will benefit from this listing, which without PBS subsidy might pay more than $85,000 per course of treatment.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said since 2013, the Federal Government had approved more than 2,700 new or amended listings on the PBS.

“This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month – or one each day – at an overall investment by the Government of $13.6 billion,” Mr Hogan said.

“Without PBS subsidies many Australians would be thousands of dollars out of pocket, instead they’ll only pay $41.30 per script or $6.60 with a concession card for these medicines.

“The Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.”

These PBS listings have been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.