New Medicines and Vaccines Under Review by PBAC
12 Feb 2026
The agenda mainly focuses on applications to add new drugs or vaccines to the PBS or NIP. It also covers requests to change current listings, resubmissions from sponsors, pricing matters, delistings, and updates from subcommittees and working groups.
As part of the meeting process, the committee will review minutes from the previous meeting, hear the Chair’s report, discuss outstanding matters, consider correspondence, and examine late or tabled papers.
Consumers are invited to provide feedback on new medicine submissions, proposed listing changes, and resubmissions. In some cases, comments may also be accepted on other agenda items. However, pricing discussions are not open for public comment.
Medicines listed on the PBS are grouped into three types:
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Unrestricted benefits, which can be prescribed without limits on their use.
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Restricted benefits, which can only be prescribed for specific approved conditions.
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Authority required benefits, which need approval before prescribing. Some require prior approval from Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, while others are “Authority required (STREAMLINED)” and only need a special code recorded.
Applications for new medicines or major listing changes are usually classed as Category 1 or Category 2. These submissions must include an economic evaluation to show value for money.
PBAC advises the Australian Government on which medicines and vaccines should be subsidised to make sure Australians have access to treatments that are safe, effective and cost-efficient.
https://www.pbs.gov.au/industry/listing/elements/pbac-meetings/agenda/pdf/2026/March-2026-PBAC-Meeting-v5.pdf
https://www.pbs.gov.au/
Source: Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC)
