GLP-1 PBS Listing Still Hinges on Drug Pricing
12 Aug 2026
Federal Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler said negotiations are continuing with the manufacturers of leading GLP-1 medicines, including Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. The Government wants more Australians to access these medicines without having to pay thousands of dollars each year
Wegovy, a form of semaglutide, has already received regulatory approvals for specific weight-management and health conditions. A staged PBS listing has also been recommended for people with obesity and cardiovascular disease risk.
However, there is currently no broad PBS listing for weight-management medicines. Many patients using GLP-1 medicines privately can face significant out-of-pocket costs.
Minister Butler said reaching an acceptable price with manufacturers is the main barrier to adding the medicines to the PBS. He said the Government remains committed to making these treatments more accessible.
The RACGP has also highlighted the importance of equitable access to obesity treatment and maintaining the central role of GPs in prevention and management.
RACGP Specific Interests Poverty and Health Chair Dr Tim Senior said cost can create major barriers for people living in disadvantaged communities, where obesity rates are often higher.
He also stressed that improving access to GLP-1 medicines should not be the only focus. Access to healthy food, safe places to exercise, parks, sporting facilities and other community resources also affects people’s ability to manage their health.
The Government’s negotiations with pharmaceutical companies are continuing, with the final price expected to play a major role in determining whether broader PBS access can move forward.
GLP-1 PBS Listing Still Hinges on Drug Pricing
Source: RACGP newsGP | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care – Minister Butler interview, 10 August 2026