Gov't Backs Cancer Medicine for 10,000 Aussies
The Australian government has announced that the cancer drug KEYTRUDA will be subsidized under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for over 10,000 patients. This change allows clinicians more flexibility in prescribing the immunotherapy for various advanced and metastatic cancers.
Why it matters
This policy shift significantly improves patient access to life-saving immunotherapy by reducing costs and streamlining the approval process for specific cancer treatments.
Cancer patients, advocates, and doctors are joining MSD in welcoming a milestone decision by the Federal Government to provide subsidised access to KEYTRUDA(r) (pembrolizumab) for over 10,000 newly eligible Australians over the next four years, with certain advanced and metastatic cancers. 1
From 1 September 2026, the cost of KEYTRUDA will be subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for eligible Australians whose cancer cannot be surgically removed and is known to be sensitive to immunotherapy. 1 This means eligible patients, including those with rare or less common cancers with limited treatment options, will pay just $7.70 (concession) or $25.00 (general patients) for each infusion of KEYTRUDA treatment. 2
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