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2mo ago

Australia to Subsidize Key Women's Health Drugs on PBS

New subsidies for IVF, endometriosis treatment, and contraceptives aim to reduce costs and improve access for thousands of women starting in April and May.

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A new treatment for a common painful condition and two other drugs will be made cheaper to improve access to treatment for Australian women.

Overview

  • The Albanese government announced the addition of three women's health drugs—Ryeqo, Pergoveris, and Slinda—to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), reducing their costs significantly.
  • Ryeqo, a treatment for moderate to severe endometriosis pain, will now cost between $92 and $380 per year, down from $2,700, benefiting approximately 8,500 women annually.
  • Pergoveris, an IVF treatment for women with low reproductive hormone levels, will be available earlier in the IVF process and at a cost of $31.60 per treatment cycle, instead of $3,500 unsubsidized.
  • Slinda, a progestogen-only contraceptive pill suitable for women unable to take estrogen, will cost $94 annually for general patients or $22 for concession holders, saving users up to $250 per year.
  • The changes, effective April 1 for Pergoveris and May 1 for Ryeqo and Slinda, are part of a broader $573 million federal investment in women's health programs.