Australians with certain types of cancers and genetic disorders will have access to cheaper medicines from 1 August 2026 including the first new treatment in 20 years for patients with a rare, incurable brain cancer.
Vorasidenib (Voranigo®) is being listed for the first time as a new treatment option for Australians with IDH-mutant astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma. These rare types of brain cancer are caused by genetic mutations that lead to abnormal cell growth in the brain and can affect thinking, behaviour and daily functioning.
Voranigo targets the underlying genetic mutation that drives tumour growth, helping to slow disease progression in patients with these rare brain tumours.
From 1 August Voranigo will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older with a susceptible gene mutation who have not previously received systemic anticancer therapy or radiotherapy and meet the PBS eligibility criteria.
In Australia, it is estimated there are around 135 new cases of IDH-mutant astrocytoma or oligodendroglioma each year.
Voranigo is taken as a pill, and without subsidy, patients might pay around $28,000 per script for a 30 day supply.
Selpercatinib (Retevmo®) will be expanded for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC).
MTC is a rare type of thyroid cancer that develops in cells of the thyroid gland and can spread to other parts of the body.
Retevmo is a targeted therapy that helps slow disease progression in patients with advanced or metastatic MTC. Additionally, under new Medicare arrangements, patients with thyroid cancer will be able to undergo genetic testing to identify mutations in the RET gene, to confirm eligibility for treatment with Retevmo.
More than 130 Australians are expected to benefit from this listing each year. Without PBS subsidy, patients might pay up to $8,200 per script.
Tafasitamab (Minjuvi®) will be listed for the first time providing a new treatment option for Australians with relapsed and/or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL).
FL is a slow-growing blood cancer that affects white blood cells in the immune system and can cause tumours to develop in the lymph nodes.
Minjuvi is a targeted immunotherapy that helps the immune system recognise and target cancer cells.
Up to 600 Australians diagnosed with FL each year experience relapsed or refractory disease requiring further treatment. Without subsidy, patients might pay over $3,700 per script.
From August 1, access will be broadened for Adalimumab (Humira) and Infliximab (Remicade) across multiple brands for paediatric Crohn disease.
Humira and Remicade help reduce inflammation in the body, helping to control symptoms of Crohn disease and improve day to day wellbeing.
More than 400 Australian children are expected to benefit from earlier access to Humira and Remicade. Without PBS subsidies, patients and their families could pay more than $500 per script.
PBS listing means eligible patients will pay a maximum of $25 per script, or just $7.70 with a concession card.
Since July 2022, the Australian Government has approved extra funding for 474 new and amended listings on the PBS.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“The Albanese Government is making health care affordable for all Australians, including people with cancers and rare genetic disorders.
"Among listings this month we’re seeing the first new treatment in 20 years being listed for a rare brain cancer, which can slow disease progression.
"We think listing Voranigo will benefit around 135 Australians diagnosed with this rare, incurable brain cancer each year, offering these patients a treatment option that can give them, precious time.
“We know being diagnosed with a serious health condition is distressing for people and their families. We don’t want them to be further stressed by worrying about how to pay for their medication, that’s why we invest in making these medicines available on our PBS."