The new listings on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme mean patients will pay a maximum of $39.50 per script or just $6.40 per script for concession, patients including pensioners. 

Almost 1000 patients with a type of head and neck cancer – squamous cell carcinoma – who would otherwise pay tens of thousands per year for Opdivo, will now have affordable access.

The drug is part of the new wave of medicines using the body’s immune system to fight cancer. For some patients, Opdivo significantly slows the spread of cancer, extends the patient’s life, and in some cases causes remission. 

About 220 patients with a sub-type of lymphoma cancer – relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma – will benefit from the listing of Imbruvica. 

Patients would otherwise pay $134,000 for a year’s treatment of Imbruvica which  targets, reduces, and in some cases kills cancerous cells.

More than 1,500 patients receiving chemotherapy for cancer will benefit from Neulasta which helps the body make new neutrophils – a type of white blood cell. 

Chemotherapy sometimes damages and depletes neutrophils and Neulasta aims to prevent this condition, and help manage the side effects of chemotherapy, allowing patients to stick to their treatment regime.

This would otherwise cost a patient $4700 for a course of treatment.

About 1125 patients with rare types of leukaemia cancer – myeloproliferative neoplasms – who would otherwise pay more than $18,000 per year will now benefit from the listing of Pegasys. 

The medicine, which has anti-viral and anti-proliferative properties, strengthens the body’s immune system to fight infections and diseases.

The Coalition government’s strong economic management means we are providing Australian patients with access to life-saving and life-changing medicines quicker than ever before.