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.

A new form of Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) will be listed for adults with RRMS, a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause disability, cognitive difficulties, and severe fatigue.

The updated formulation reduces the infusion time to just 10 minutes—far shorter than existing treatments—allowing patients to spend less time in clinics and improving access for people in rural and regional areas.

Without PBS support, a full course of Ocrelizumab could cost more than $16,500.

“This listing means tens of thousands of Australians can get the treatment they need faster and cheaper,” Health Minister Mark Butler said.

Support for Rare Cancers

Toripalimab (Zytorvi) will be listed for adults with recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a rare cancer that begins behind the nose and can spread quickly.

The immunotherapy is designed to help the body target and destroy cancer cells. Around 75 Australians are expected to benefit each year, avoiding out-of-pocket costs of more than $218,000 per treatment course.

The PBS will also expand access to Bimekizumab (Bimzelx) for more patients with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa, a painful long-term skin condition marked by abscesses, inflammation, and scarring. A comparable therapy can cost over $45,000 a year without subsidies.

Access to Pegcetacoplan (Empaveli) will be broadened to treat adults with PNH who are new to existing therapies or who have not responded well to current options.

PNH is a rare disorder where red blood cells break down prematurely, causing fatigue, anaemia, and other complications. Without PBS support, treatment can exceed $450,000 annually.

Under PBS rules, eligible patients pay up to $31.60 per script, or $7.70 with a concession card. From January 2026, the general co-payment cap will fall to $25.

MS Cases Rising in Australia

New data underscores the growing number of Australians who may rely on the PBS to afford modern multiple sclerosis treatments.

A University of New South Wales (UNSW)-supported study commissioned by Multiple Sclerosis Australia found more than 33,300 Australians were living with the condition in 2021—an increase of 30 percent since 2017. The report attributed the rise mainly to earlier diagnosis, better detection, and longer survival.

UNSW Professor Arun Krishnan said risk factors may also play a role.

“There is some association with a lack of sunlight exposure and other factors,” he said. “The areas of highest multiple sclerosis prevalence in the world tend to be at either end of the globe.”