Cheaper medicines for chronic kidney disease and psoriasis

Australians with chronic kidney disease and psoriasis will now have access to cheaper medicines for each condition, on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Dapagliflozin (Forxiga®) will be expanded on the PBS to include a larger number of Australians living with chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease is a serious condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste, which can lead to complications like heart disease and kidney failure.

This expansion provides more Australians living with chronic kidney disease access to this important treatment, helping reduce strain on the kidneys and slow disease progression.

Around 65,000 Australians are expected to benefit from this listing each year.

Without the PBS subsidy, patients could pay more than $670 per script.

Calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate (Wynzora®) will be listed for the first time for the treatment of chronic stable plaque-type psoriasis vulgaris.

Plaque psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that causes raised, red, scaly patches that can be itchy and uncomfortable, often affecting daily life and confidence.

Wynzora® helps slow the overgrowth of skin cells while betamethasone reduces inflammation and irritation. Together, they can help clear plaques, relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for people living with psoriasis.

In 2024, over 141,000 patients accessed a comparable treatment through the PBS.

Without subsidy patients might pay $65 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 399 new and amended listings on the PBS.
 
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:

“The medicines we’re listing are life changing for people with distressing and even deadly conditions.

“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring Australians can access the medicines they need at an affordable price.

“Without the PBS, Australian patients would pay thousands of dollars instead of the newly reduced maximum of $25 per script, or just $7.70 for those who hold a concession card.”