The Australian Government is giving more young children with cystic fibrosis access to a new treatment option, through an expanded listing on the PBS.
From 1 November 2026, access to Elexacaftor with tezacaftor and ivacaftor, and ivacaftor (Trikafta®) will be expanded to allow eligible children aged 6 to 11 years living with cystic fibrosis who weigh less than 30 kgto access a granule form of the medicine. This will assist young children to take the medicine, who struggle to swallow a pill.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes a build-up of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and other organs, leading to ongoing health problems and reduced lung function.
Trikafta® targets the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis by improving the function of the defective CFTR protein.
Around 3,300 Australians are expected to benefit from this listing each year. Without PBS subsidy, patients might pay more than $20,300 per script.
Other 1 November PBS listings include:
- Teprotumumab (Tepezza®) will provide a new treatment option for Australians living with active, moderate-to-severe thyroid eye disease (TED), a condition with limited effective treatment options.
- Around 310 Australians are expected to benefit from this listing each year. Without PBS subsidy, patients might pay more than $10,800 per script.
- Brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris®) will be expanded to provide a new first-line treatment option for Australians living with advanced CD30-positive classical Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Around 370 Australians are expected to benefit from this listing each year. Without PBS subsidy, patients might pay more than $13,400 per script.
- Evolocumab (Repatha®) will be amended to allow increased maximum dispensed quantities under the Government’s 60-day prescription initiative for eligible Australians living with high cholesterol, including familial hypercholesterolaemia.
- In 2025, more than 25,600 patients accessed a comparable treatment. Without government subsidy, it could cost them more than $1,200 per script.
PBS listing means eligible patients will pay a maximum of $25 per script, or just $7.70 with a concession card.
Since July 2022, the Australian Government has approved extra funding for 511 new and amended listings on the PBS.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is bringing the best medicines to Australians at affordable prices.
“The expanded listing of Trikafta in granule form, will mean thousands of young children with cystic fibrosis will find it easier take their medicine, if they have struggled to take a pill.
“The PBS takes the worry of cost out of the equation and means more Australians will be able to live well for longer, without breaking the bank.”
