Please find below information relating to new and amended Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings implemented on 1st February 2024.

This information relates to the administration of these listings by Services Australia. For further information on broader PBS changes, please visit pbs.gov.au. Relevant information and authority application forms have been updated and can be accessed through the Services Australia website. 

Advanced (unresectable or metastatic) uveal melanoma

Tebentafusp (Kimmtrak®) (100 microgram/0.5 mL injection, 0.5 mL vial) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of advanced (unresectable or metastatic) uveal melanoma. Authority applications for initial treatment (day 1) can be made either in real-time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone. Prescriptions for initial treatment (day 8, day 15) and continuing treatment are Authority Required (STREAMLINED).

Chelation of elevated copper levels

Trientine (Trientine Dr.Reddy’s®) (trientine dihydrochloride 250 mg capsule is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of chelation of elevated copper levels. Authority applications can be made either in real-time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone.

Clinically definite relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Natalizumab (Tysabri®) (150 mg/mL injection, 2 x 1 mL syringes) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of clinically definite relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Prescriptions for treatment are Authority Required (STREAMLINED).

Unresectable Stage III or Stage IV malignant melanoma

Nivolumab + relatlimab (Opdualag®) (nivolumab 240 mg/20 mL + relatlimab 80 mg/20 mL injection, 20 mL vial) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of unresectable Stage III or Stage IV malignant melanoma. Prescriptions for initial and continuing treatments are Authority Required (STREAMLINED).

Major depressive disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder

Fluoxetine (Medreich®) (10 mg capsule) for the treatment of major depressive disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder is now listed on the PBS for the current supply shortage under Section 19A. Fluoxetine is listed as a restricted benefit.

Hypercholesterolaemia

Colestyramine (Cholestyramine-Odan®) (Colestyramine 4g powder for oral liquid, 30 sachets) for the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia is now listed on the PBS for the current supply shortage under Section 19A. Colestyramine is listed as a restricted benefit/unrestricted benefit.

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Salbutamol (pms-Salbutamol®) (Salbutamol 2.5 mg/2.5 mL inhalation solution, 20 x 2.5 mL ampoules) for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is now listed on the PBS for the current supply shortage under Section 19A. Salbutamol is listed as a restricted benefit.

1 February 2024 delisted PBS listings

Pyridoxine non-responsive homocystinuria

Amino acid formula with vitamins and minerals without methionine (HCU gel®) has been delisted from the PBS with no supply only arrangement.

Maple syrup urine disease

Amino acid formula with vitamins and minerals without valine, leucine and isoleucine (MSUD gel®) has been delisted from the PBS with no supply only arrangement.

Tyrosinaemia

Amino acid formula with vitamins and minerals without phenylalanine and tyrosine (TYR gel®) has been delisted from the PBS with no supply only arrangement.

To learn more about these updates, please contact Services Australia directly.

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