Parkinson’s disease and melanoma treatments have now been added to the PBS
12 Sep 2025
Access to medicines for neuroblastoma, endometrial cancer and cystic fibrosis has been broadened through the scheme
Australians living with serious health conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, melanoma, endometrial cancer, cystic fibrosis and neuroblastoma will now have access to new and expanded medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
From this month:
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Vyalev (foslevodopa with foscarbidopa) has been listed for the first time to treat advanced Parkinson’s disease. Around 330 Australians are expected to benefit, with the cost dropping from about $131,000 a year to the PBS co-payment.
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Opdivo and Yervoy (nivolumab and ipilimumab) are now listed for stage three melanoma before surgery, helping almost 400 patients who previously faced bills of around $31,000 per course.
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Imfinzi (durvalumab) has been expanded for use with chemotherapy in endometrial cancer, supporting around 60 Australians each year. Without PBS listing, treatment could cost more than $239,000.
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Ifinwil (eflornithine) has been added to help prevent relapse in children with high-risk neuroblastoma. About 20 children a year are expected to benefit, with the cost reduced from over $417,000 per course.
Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler said the Government is committed to making life-changing medicines more affordable.
“These new and expanded medicines on the PBS will bring real relief to Australians facing severe health conditions. Instead of six-figure costs, these medicines are now available for as little as $31.60,” he said.
Source: Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care
