In brief
On 1 November 2026, Australia added several subsidised medicines to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, allowing thousands more patients to access treatments at a lower cost. New listings include a granule version of Trikafta for children with cystic fibrosis, Tepezza for thyroid eye disease, expanded first‑line Adcetris for Hodgkin lymphoma, and higher quantities of Repatha under a 60‑day prescription plan.
On 1 November 2026 the Australian government announced that it would broaden the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to cover more patients with cystic fibrosis, blood cancer and thyroid eye disease, Health Minister Mark Butler said on Xinhua.
The changes let children aged 6 to 11 who weigh less than 30 kg take a granule form of Trikafta, a medicine that attacks the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis. The granule version is designed for kids who have trouble swallowing tablets.
Government estimates that about 3,300 children each year will now qualify for the subsidised treatment. Without the PBS subsidy the medication could cost more than 20,300 Australian dollars (roughly 14,200 U.S. dollars) per prescription.
The PBS now lists Tepezza for active, moderate‑to‑severe thyroid eye disease. Around 310 Australians will benefit annually from that addition.
Adcetris, a drug used for blood cancer, will have expanded access to become a first‑line treatment for patients with advanced CD30‑positive classical Hodgkin lymphoma, helping an estimated 370 Australians each year.
The scheme also changes the dispensing limits for Repatha, a high‑cholesterol medicine, so eligible patients can get larger quantities under a 60‑day prescription plan. Those patients will pay a maximum of 25 Australian dollars per prescription, or 7.70 dollars for concession card holders.
The government said it has approved 511 new and amended PBS listings since July 2022, including the additions that come into effect on 1 November 2026.
These expansions aim to make life‑saving drugs more affordable and easier to access for patients across Australia.
