PBS Changes from 1 April 2025
Please find below information relating to new and amended Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings implemented on 1 April 2025.
The information below relates to the administration of these listings by Services Australia. For further information, please download the Frequently Asked Questions. For information on broader PBS changes, please visit the PBS website. Relevant information and authority application forms have been updated and can be accessed through the Services Australia website.
Please note, the authority application forms that are updated as part of PBS listings changes in April and May 2025 will have the title fields in the prescriber and patient details removed. All remaining forms will be updated on 1 June 2025.
Severe Crohn's disease; moderate to severe ulcerative colitis; severe active juvenile idiopathic arthritis; complex refractory Fistulising Crohn's disease; severe active rheumatoid arthritis; severe psoriatic arthritis; ankylosing spondylitis; severe chronic plaque psoriasis; moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa; vision threatening non-infectious uveitis
Adalimumab (40 mg/0.4 ml injection, 2 x 0.4 ml syringes) (Hyrimoz®) is a new strength of biosimilar now listed on the PBS for the treatment of severe Crohn's disease; moderate to severe ulcerative colitis; severe active juvenile idiopathic arthritis; complex refractory Fistulising Crohn's disease; severe active rheumatoid arthritis; severe psoriatic arthritis; ankylosing spondylitis; severe chronic plaque psoriasis; moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa; vision threatening non-infectious uveitis.
Vision threatening non-infectious uveitis
Adalimumab (20 mg/0.4 ml injection, 0.4 ml syringe) (Abrilada®; Amgevita®) is a new strength of biosimilar now listed on the PBS for the treatment of vision-threatening non-infectious uveitis.
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)
Ravulizumab {300 mg/3 ml injection, 3 ml vial; 1.1 g/11 ml injection, 11 ml vial) (Ultomiris®) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of NMOSD. Authority applications for initial and grandfather treatments can be made either in real-time using the Online PBS Authorities system or in writing. Authority applications for continuing treatment can be made either in real-time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone.
Paediatric low grade glioma and paediatric high grade glioma
Dabrafenib (50 mg capsule; 75 mg capsule; 1 O mg dispersible tablet) (Tafinlar®) and trametinib (500 microgram tablet; 2 mg tablet; 50 microgram/ml powder for oral liquid, 90 ml) (Mekinist®) are now listed on the PBS for the treatment of paediatric low grade glioma and paediatric high grade glioma. Authority applications for initial, grandfather and continuing treatments can be made either in real-time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone.
High risk and intermediate-2 risk myelofibrosis and intermediate-1 risk myelofibrosis
Momelotinib (100 mg tablet; 150 mg tablet; 200 mg tablet) (Omjjara®) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of high risk and intermediate-2 risk myelofibrosis and intermediate-1 risk myelofibrosis. Authority applications for initial treatment can be made either in real-time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone. Prescriptions for continuing treatment are Authority required (STREAMLINED).
Ruxolitinib (5 mg tablet; 10 mg tablet; 15 mg tablet, 20 mg tablet) (Jakavi®) has had an amendment to the restriction level. Prescriptions for initial treatment can now be made either in real-time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone. Prescriptions for continuing treatment are now Authority required (STREAMLINED).
Diabetes mellitus type 2
Empagliflozin (10 mg tablet; 25 mg tablet) (Jardiance®) and empagliflozin + metformin (empagliflozin 5 mg + metformin hydrochloride 1 g tablet (Jardiamet 5 mg/1000 mg®); empagliflozin 5 mg + metformin hydrochloride 500 mg tablet (Jardiamet 5 mg/500 mg®); empagliflozin 12.5 mg+ metformin hydrochloride 1 g tablet (Jardiamet 12.5 mg/1000 mg®); empagliflozin 12.5 mg + metformin hydrochloride 500 mg tablet (Jardiamet 12.5 mg/500 mg®)) have an expanded listing to include add-on therapy to metformin for patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 and established cardiovascular disease, those at high risk of a cardiovascular event or patients that identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Prescriptions for treatment are Authority required (STREAMLINED).
Stimulation of follicular development
Follitropin alfa + lutropin alfa (follitropin alfa 900 units (65.52 microgram)/1.44 ml+ lutropin alfa 450 units/1.44 ml injection, 1.44 ml pen device) (Pergoveris®) has had a change to the restriction. Prescriptions for treatment are Authority required (STREAMLINED).
Advanced or metastatic gastro-oesophageal cancer
Tislelizumab (100 mg/10 ml injection, 1O ml vial) (Tevimbra®) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of advanced or metastatic gastro-oesophageal cancer. Prescriptions for treatment are Authority required (STREAMLINED).
Phenylketonuria
Amino acid formula with fat, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals without phenylalanine (tablet modified release, 6 x 100 g) (PKU Easy Microtabs Plus®) has had a change in formulation. It is listed as a restricted benefit.
Proven glutaric aciduria type 1 and pyridoxine dependent epilepsy
Amino acid formula with vitamins and minerals without lysine and low in tryptophan (5 g of protein equivalent powder for oral liquid, 30 x 12.5 g sachets) (GA explore5™) has had a change in formulation. It is listed as a restricted benefit.
Methylmalonic acidaemia and propionic acidaemia
Amino acid formula with vitamins and minerals without methionine, threonine and valine and low in isoleucine (5 g of protein equivalent powder for oral liquid, 30 x 12.5 g sachets) (MMA/PA explore5™) has had a change in formulation. It is listed as a restricted benefit.
Severe dry eye syndrome
Propylene glycol (0.6% eye drops, 1O ml) (Systane Balance®) is now listed on the PBS for the treatment of severe dry eye syndrome. Propylene glycol is listed as a restricted benefit.
Delisted PBS listings from 1 April 2025
Chronic arthropathies (including osteoarthritis)
Ketoprofen (200 mg modified release capsule) (Orudis SR 200®) and piroxicam (20 mg dispersible tablet) (Feldene-D®) have been delisted.
Relief of pain and fever - for a patient identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
Paracetamol (24 mg/ml oral liquid, 100 ml) (Panamax®) has been delisted.
Hypertension
Ramipril + felodipine (ramipril 2.5 mg+ felodipine 2.5 mg modified release tablet) (Triasyn 2.5/2.5®) has been delisted.
Severe dry eye syndrome
Carmellose sodium (0.5% eye drops, 30 x 0.4 ml ampoules) (Cellufresh®) and carmellose sodium (1% eye drops, 30 x 0.4 ml ampoules) (Celluvisc®) have been delisted.
Proctitis and ulcerative colitis
Hydrocortisone acetate (10% enema, 21.1 g) (Colifoam®) has been delisted.
Advanced breast cancer
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (500 mg tablet) (Provera®) has been delisted.
PBS Authorities - Changes from 1 April 2025
We understand having access to PBS-subsidised medicines can be critical to patient care. That's why Services Australia and the Department of Health and Aged Care are continuing to work together to increase the number of PBS medicines that can be requested and approved using the Online PBS Authorities system (the system).
From 1 April 2025, you will be able to use the system to apply for authority approval and provide evidence digitally for the following medicines. These changes will make it easier for you to request authority approval for these medicines from Services Australia. You will no longer need to submit the written authority application form, details of the proposed prescriptions and test results for certain medicines and treatment phases.
Treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
Authority applications for initial treatment with adalimumab, etrasimod, golimumab, infliximab, ozanimod, tofacitinib, upadacitinib and vedolizumab, and grandfather treatment (etrasimod only) can now be made either using the Online PBS Authorities system or in writing. Authority applications for continuing treatment can be made either in real-time using the Online PBS Authorities system or by telephone.
Important Information
Submitting Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Written Applications through Health Professional Online Services (HPOS) form upload.
When submitting PBS authority forms through HPOS form upload, it is important to remember that only yourself or your delegate/s are authorised to do this. Make sure you've linked your prescriber number to your Provider Digital Access (PRODA) account for HPOS; and set up your delegations in HPOS. Visit Servcies Australia for more information on how to link your Health Identifiers to HPOS and Manage delegations.
Reminders
Correct online authority number
When prescribing PBS medicines via the Online PBS Authorities system ensure you have selected the correct medicine to match what is on the prescription. This will avoid delays with providing patients with the medication they require.
PBS Authorities - written authority application forms
To align with PBS listing changes, forms are updated on the first of the month. Using the most recent form will help avoid delays in obtaining authority approval.
Ensuring you are proving accurate data
It's important to ensure you are providing accurate and up to date information when completing an authority application. Failure to do so may result in your authority request being rejected.
More Information
For more information about the Online PBS Authorities system visit the Services Australia website.
Services Australia has a broad range of educational resources on the Health Professional Education Resources website. This includes simulations, podcasts, and an infographic on the Online PBS Authorities system.
Visit the Services Australia website to find the most up-to-date authority application form for each drug, program or condition.