From today, the Morrison Government will make medicines that treat rheumatoid arthritis and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) cheaper, with new additions to Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on September 1.
Over 400,000 Australians suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease that targets the lining of joints and causes inflammation and joint damage resulting in painful, stiff and swollen joints.
Olumiant® will be made available on the PBS for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis from September 1.
The active ingredient in Olumiant® works by blocking parts of the immune system involved in rheumatoid arthritis. It is estimated that more than 22,000 Australian patients could benefits from this medication.
Patients will no longer need to pay around $16,500 a year for this treatment, instead they will pay a maximum of $39.50 per script or just $6.40 per script for concessional patients, including pensioners.
Intuniv® will be listed on the PBS for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and provides a new treatment option for patients 6-18 years of age that are unable to use other ADHD medicines.
ADHD is a disorder of brain function with symptoms including inattention, impulsivity and overactivity.
It is estimated more than 147,000 patients could benefit from this new treatment from Intuniv®, which can help improve concentration and make patients less hyperactive.
Patients would normally pay around $1,921 a year for this medicine but will now only pay a maximum of $39.50 per script or just $6.40 per script for concessional patients.
The independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended these new listings.
The Committee is independent of Government by law and in practice. By law the Federal Government cannot list a new medicine without a positive recommendation from PBAC.
Since coming into Government, the Coalition has helped improve the health of Australians by subsidising more than $9 billion worth of new medicines.
Unlike Labor, we are subsidising all drugs recommended by the independent medical experts.
In the Budget we announced our commitment to invest $2.4 billion on new medicines to build on our commitment to guarantee those essential services that all Australians rely on.
Our commitment to the PBS is rock solid. Together with Medicare, it is a foundation of our world-class health care system.