Exciting news for Australian families: the cost of life-changing medications is about to drop dramatically! But here's where it gets even more impactful—starting in 2026, several groundbreaking drugs will be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) with significantly reduced prices, making them more accessible than ever. Among these is adalimumab (brand name Humira), which will now be used to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a condition that affects up to 30,100 young Australians aged 0–24. This medication, already a lifeline for children battling Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and chronic plaque psoriasis, works by soothing the immune system and reducing inflammation. Imagine the relief for families when the cost per prescription drops from a staggering $650 to just $25—a change that took effect on January 1, 2026, thanks to reduced PBS co-payments.
And this is the part most people miss—two other medications are making their PBS debut. Odevixibat (sold as Bylvay) is now available to treat progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, a rare genetic liver disease that primarily affects children. Meanwhile, ublituximab (brand name Briumvi) has been approved for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), offering hope to patients by targeting B-cells that cause inflammation and helping to reduce relapses and slow disease progression. In 2024, over 14,000 patients relied on a similar treatment through the PBS, with unsubsidized prescriptions costing around $15,000. This marks the second consecutive month a new RRMS treatment has been listed, following December’s approval of an ‘under-the-skin’ injection for ocrelizumab (Ocrevus).
Here’s the controversial part: While these reductions are a huge win for patients, some critics argue that the $25 co-payment (down from $31.60) still places a burden on low-income families, especially when compared to the concessional co-payment of $7.70, which remains unchanged until 2030. Is this enough to ensure equitable access to these life-altering treatments? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Join the conversation and let’s discuss how we can bridge the gap for those who need it most.
