The 18 important medicines that Australians are missing out on

The AgeIndependentConservativeyesterday

An article published in The Age on July 20, 2026, highlights concerns over Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), noting that only a quarter of new medicines launched globally in the past decade have been subsidized. This has led to many life-changing treatments being unavailable to Australian patients. Eighteen key innovative treatments for various conditions, including cancer, mental illness, and rare diseases, are not accessible under the PBS. The article cites Medicines Australia, a pharmaceutical industry group, which argues that the lengthy and complex approval process, combined with Australia's low willingness to pay for innovative medicines, is deterring global pharmaceutical companies from launching new therapies in the country. The article features the personal story of Tina Powney, who suffers from idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and relies on extensive medical equipment and medications. A newly approved drug, Sotatercept, which could significantly improve her quality of life, is not available through the PBS due to its high cost. The article suggests that this situation is becoming unsustainable for both patients and pharmaceutical companies

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the issue as stemming from Australia's low willingness to pay for innovative medicines and the resulting impact on pharmaceutical companies' incentives. While it presents patient stories, the emphasis is on economic factors and industry perspectives, suggesting a more market-based

The Sydney Morning HeraldIndependentConservativeyesterday

An article published in The Sydney Morning Herald highlights concerns over Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), noting that only a quarter of new medicines launched globally in the past decade have been subsidized. This has led to many life-changing treatments being unavailable to Australian patients. Eighteen key innovative treatments for various conditions, including cancer, mental illness, and rare diseases, are not accessible under the PBS. The article cites Medicines Australia, a pharmaceutical industry group, which argues that the country's low willingness to pay for innovative medicines is deterring global pharmaceutical companies from launching new therapies in Australia. The article features the story of Tina Powney, who suffers from idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and relies on extensive medical equipment and medications. A new drug, Sotatercept, approved in the U.S. and EU, could significantly improve her quality of life but remains unaffordable due to its high out-of-pocket cost. The article suggests that Australia's approach to drug subsidies is increasingly problematic.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the issue as stemming from Australia's 'low willingness to pay' for innovative medicines, suggesting that this policy discourages pharmaceutical companies from entering the market. While the article presents data and quotes from both patient advocates and industry representatives,