PBAC Update – March 2026
07 Apr 2026
The update covers consumer and clinician input, out-of-session activities, and PBS listings for medicines treating gastrointestinal disease.
Joint DUSC–ESC Meetings
The March 2026 update confirms that joint meetings between the Drug Utilisation Sub‑Committee and the Economics Sub‑Committee will continue after a successful expanded pilot.
- The initial pilot in July 2025 allowed a few submissions to be reviewed jointly, providing a single set of advice to both PBAC and sponsors. Feedback was positive, highlighting better alignment across clinical, economic, and financial considerations.
- The March 2026 expanded pilot included all items allocated to both DUSC and ESC, showing benefits such as:
- Streamlined, coordinated discussions
- Reduced duplication between committees
- Earlier input for ESC members
- Stronger alignment across clinical, economic, and financial perspectives
What this means for future PBAC cycles:
- Items considered by both DUSC and ESC will now be discussed together in joint meetings.
- A single, joint advice document will be provided instead of separate committee advice.
- ESC meeting dates have been adjusted to align with DUSC meetings, but sponsor processes and timelines remain unchanged.
- DUSC will continue its non-submission work outside joint meetings.
- Further refinements are planned to support upcoming meetings, including the next joint DUSC–ESC meeting in June 2026.
This new approach is designed to improve PBAC decision-making and provide clearer, more coordinated advice to sponsors.
https://www.pbs.gov.au/
Source: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing – PBS & PBAC Update March 2026