In brief
On 1 November 2026 the Australian government announced an expansion of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Children with cystic fibrosis, patients with Hodgkin lymphoma and those with thyroid eye disease will now receive subsidised treatments, including a granule form of Trikafta, Tepezza for thyroid eye disease and expanded Adcetris coverage. The changes also allow larger Repatha prescriptions under the 60‑day initiative.
On Sunday, Canberra, Australian Prime Minister‑in‑office Health Minister Mark Butler announced that the country’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) would expand to cover additional medications for cystic fibrosis, blood cancer and thyroid eye disease, taking effect on 1 November 2026. The announcement was reported by Xinhua News Agency from its Canberra bureau.
The most visible change is the introduction of a child‑friendly granule form of Trikafta, a medicine that targets the underlying genetic defect of cystic fibrosis. Under the new listing, children aged six to 11 who weigh less than 30 kg will be eligible for the powder formulation, which is easier for young patients to swallow. According to government figures, the adjustment is expected to benefit around 3,300 Australians each year.
Without PBS subsidies the cost of a Trikafta prescription could exceed 20,300 Australian dollars per year, roughly 14,200 U.S. dollars. The subsidy is meant to offset this high cost, making the treatment more accessible to families. The government highlighted this benefit in its press statement, noting the potential economic relief for households dealing with the disease.
In addition to cystic fibrosis, the PBS expansion now lists Tepezza, a drug approved to treat active, moderate‑to‑severe thyroid eye disease, a rare condition that can cause eye swelling and vision problems. The addition is expected to benefit roughly 310 Australians annually, the statement added. Tepezza is the first therapy that directly targets the pathogenic T cells involved in the eye inflammation.
For blood cancer, the PBS now provides expanded access to Adcetris for patients with advanced CD30‑positive classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Adcetris, a targeted antibody‑drug conjugate, will be available as a first‑line treatment option for those with the advanced form of disease. The government estimates that around 370 Australians each year will receive PBS support for this medication.
The changes also amend the listing for Repatha, a medicine used to treat high cholesterol. The new PBS rule permits eligible patients to obtain larger quantities under a 60‑day prescription initiative. The government reiterated that patients will pay a maximum of 25 Australian dollars per prescription, or 7.70 Australian dollars for concession card holders, which is consistent with existing pricing limits.
Since July 2022, the Australian government has approved 511 new and amended PBS listings, the press release said, signalling a broader commitment to improving drug access. The overall strategy was described as a step toward making high‑cost, high‑benefit medications available to a wider segment of the population, a move welcomed by several health‑policy analysts quoted in the Xinhua report.
Health Minister Mark Butler said the government “has broadened the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to enable more patients to receive subsidised treatment.” The statement was released in a brief press briefing at the Department of Health headquarters in Canberra, attended by representatives of several patient advocacy groups.
The policy shift reflects the Australian government’s ongoing effort to balance affordability with innovation, adding new therapeutic options while maintaining cost controls within the PBS. Stakeholders say the new listings should align health system sustainability with the needs of patients facing life‑threatening conditions.
