New cancer drug added to PBS, cutting cost for patients

New cancer drug added to PBS, cutting cost for patients

04 May 2026

The drug Fruquintinib will now be subsidised for the first time for people with stage 4 or metastatic colorectal cancer. Without the subsidy, treatment can cost around $26,000 per prescription.

The medicine is used for patients whose cancer has spread beyond the bowel to areas such as the liver, lungs, abdomen or pelvis, and who have not responded to other standard treatments.

Health officials say around 850 Australians a year access similar treatments for metastatic colorectal cancer.

The listing comes as colorectal cancer remains one of the most common cancers in Australia, with about 14,784 cases diagnosed last year, making up nearly 9% of all new cancer cases.

Federal Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler said the change will ease pressure on patients facing a serious diagnosis.

He said the subsidy means patients can focus on treatment rather than the high cost of accessing care.

Another medicine, Glycopyrronium, has also been added to the PBS for people with severe underarm sweating.

Officials say both listings aim to improve access to treatment while reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients.

https://www1.racgp.org.au/

 
Source: newsGP

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