Government Moves Toward PBS Listing for Wegovy
12 Jan 2026
Federal Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler confirmed the Government will now work with manufacturer Novo Nordisk to negotiate pricing and progress a PBS listing for the obesity treatment.
PBAC Recommendation Drives Next Steps
The move follows PBAC’s recommendation at its November meeting, with the decision made public late last year. Speaking on Sunrise, Minister Butler said expert advice supported considering Wegovy for PBS listing and that discussions with the manufacturer would focus on balancing affordability for taxpayers with fair pricing.
He noted that while the medication represents a major advancement in obesity treatment, further work is required for this class of drugs.
Rising Demand and Cost Pressures
Interest in weight-loss medications continues to grow. A recent newsGP poll found 24% of respondents said ongoing patient demand for these drugs was the issue that affected them most in 2025.
Minister Butler said more than 400,000 Australians are currently paying private prices for weight-loss medicines, costing up to $4,000–$5,000 per year, placing them out of reach for many who could benefit.
He described access to these medicines as both a health and equity issue.
Who Would Be Eligible
PBAC recommended Wegovy be listed for patients who have already experienced a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, or who have symptomatic peripheral arterial disease.
To target those at highest risk and manage costs, PBAC advised limiting PBS access to people with a BMI of 35 kg/m² or higher, or 32.5 kg/m² or higher for people of Asian, Aboriginal, or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
Source: Australian Government / Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) / newsGP