📢 Perjeta is now listed on the PBS!✨
Breast Cancer Network Australia warmly welcomes the announcement that Perjeta (pertuzumab) will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from today onwards, 1 July 2026 for eligible Australians with HER2-positive high-risk early breast cancer. For the approximately 2,500 Australians diagnosed each year who may benefit from this treatment, this is more than just a policy change. It’s a life-changing moment. The PBS listing will remove a significant financial barrier, making this important treatment far more accessible to those who need it most. 🙌💗 While this is a major step forward, it also shines a light on the ongoing challenges many Australians face when trying to access new and vital medicines as there are still too many life-saving breast cancer treatments not PBS listed. There is still more work to be done to ensure timely, equitable access for everyone. Today, we celebrate progress and continue to advocate for a future where no one is left behind. 💕 👉 Read more about Perjeta listing on the PBS here
Kisqali & Truqap now subsidised by PBS
The drug Kisqali (ribociclib), which was previously available for advanced cases, is now being subsidised for a broader group of patients, specifically those with early-stage, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, lymph node-positive breast cancer who are at high risk of their cancer returning after surgery .... now available on PBS ...... This is not only a huge saving on costs - but it will hopefully prevent some women with early stage BC from a recurrence or progression. Read more about it here: https://7news.com.au/news/life-saving-breast-cancer-drug-now-cheaper-thanks-to-a-expansion-of-the-pharmaceutical-benefits-scheme-c-19213732 It will definitely be on Channel 7 news tonight - probably other channels too. Another announcement today is: Thousands of other Australians will pay considerably less for breast cancer treatment due to a new federal government decision. Health Minister Mark Butler has announced that Truqap, a breast cancer drug, will be on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from Wednesday, 1 October, with the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Being on PBS means the treatment will be on the government-subsidised list of medicines. Truqap is used to treat breast cancer that is either locally advanced or metastatic and cannot be removed through surgery. Without the subsidy, patients were facing costs of $100,000 for a course of treatment on Truqap. From Wednesday, they will pay a maximum of $31.60 per script. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/breast-cancer-patients-to-save-thousands-as-new-drug-added-to-pbs/udwi5kklx📢 Capivasertib (Truqap) to be listed on the PBS!
The Australian Government has announced that as of 1 October capivasertib (Truqap) will be listed on the Pharmacetucial Benefits Scheme (PBS), providing another vital option for Australians with HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer. This means more equitable access to a treatment that previously cost over $98,000. This decision addresses an urgent need for effective treatments and provides another vital option for patients when their cancer has developed resistance to existing therapies. BCNA remains committed to fighting for equitable access to innovative treatments and supporting those living with metastatic breast cancer through every step of their journey. Read more about the announcement at https://www.bcna.org.au/latest-news/bcna-news/government-announce-access-to-capivasertib-truqap-another-option-for-those-living-with-metastatic-breast-cancer/
