‘Unprecedented’ demand on PBAC forces extra meeting Its capacity has been exceeded by a ‘huge pipeline of new medicines’, after companies put forward a record number of submissions.
Action taken amid continuing PrEP shortage As supply of the HIV prevention medication continues to be disrupted, the Federal Government has listed a US brand on the PBS to shore up access.
Admin burden top reason GPs plan to leave practice: RACGP In a ‘wakeup call’ for governments, the new Health of the Nation report found 70% of GPs are concerned about their admin workload.
PBS additions for cancer and epilepsy Tens of thousands of patients each year are set to benefit from several first-time additions, including Zyamis and Tecentriq SC.
Wegovy launches in Australia The manufacturer assured GPs supply planning has been its priority amid critical Ozempic shortages, but concerns remain over Wegovy’s availability.
Cystic fibrosis medication expanded on PBS Doctors can soon prescribe subsidised Trikafta to children earlier, in a ‘lifechanging’ move set to save families $250,000 each year.
Olaparib and anifrolumab added to PBS The treatments for breast cancer and lupus have now been added to the scheme, alongside medicines for leukaemia and insomnia.
PBS restrictions placed on diabetes medicines GPs now need to gain additional approval prior to starting patients on all GLP-1 RAs, including semaglutide.
Study questions Paxlovid’s COVID-19 ‘usefulness’ Researchers say the antiviral does little to reduce symptom duration for some vaccinated patients, but still recommended its use for the vulnerable.
Opioid prescriptions are down – but is dependence? While PBS listing revisions have potentially reduced opioid prescriptions, experts say more active treatment is required to reduce harm.