New PBS Subsidies to Expand Access to Multiple Sclerosis, Rare Cancer Treatments

Australians with multiple sclerosis, rare cancers, and chronic immune disorders will see medicine costs fall.

A Pharmacy in southside of Brisbane is seen on May 14, 2015 in Brisbane, Australia. Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Australians living with multiple sclerosis and several rare diseases will gain access to new subsidised medicines after the federal government confirmed they would be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The new listings include treatments for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), rare head and neck cancers, hidradenitis suppurativa, and paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH). More than 30,000 Australians are expected to benefit annually.