More than 60,000 Australians will benefit from the introduction of a new drug to the Pharmaceuticals Benefits Scheme (PBS). A media release by Health Minister Tanya Plibersek states that Ticagrelor (Brilinta®), which is used to treat myocardial infarction or unstable angina, can help prevent heart attacks.

"The listing of this drug on the PBS provides Australians with subsidised access to one of the latest treatments for cardiovascular disease," says Ms. Plibersek. "New medicines like this one, combined with a greater emphasis on prevention and advances in medical research, have significantly reduced the mortality rate from heart attacks."

Eight additional drugs, which include treatments for leukaemia, juvenile arthritis, haemodyalisis and high blood pressure, are also set to be listed on the PBS in the coming months.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, while juvenile arthritis affects around 4,600 children in the country – severely impacting their quality of life. 

The introduction of the additional medicines to the PBS and additional Medicare Benefits Schedule items will cost $141 million over the next 5 years.

To offset some of the increasing costs, the government will be raising the price of 17 medicines already listed on the PBS. While these cost increases will have no impact on concessional patients, it will ensure that a number of essential medicines continue to be available on the PBS.