Cancer drug breakthrough: PBS listing brings hope for rare cancer sufferers.

A new cancer drug offering hope to rare cancer sufferers has been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The drug is the first of its kind for cancer and is now available to patients.

A groundbreaking development in cancer treatment has brought hope to thousands of Australians suffering from rare cancers. A new drug, which is the first of its kind for cancer, has been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), making it accessible to patients [1].

The drug, developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), is designed to treat rare cancers that previously had limited treatment options. The listing on the PBS is a significant step forward, as it ensures that patients with these rare cancers can access the drug at a subsidized cost [1].

The inclusion of this drug on the PBS comes at a critical time when the need for more treatment options for rare cancers is growing. According to Rare Cancers Australia, over 19,000 Australians were diagnosed with a rare cancer in 2024, and almost half of them died [3]. The push for more treatment options to be subsidized under the PBS is a response to this urgent need.

However, the listing of this drug on the PBS is not without its challenges. The drug's approval process has been fraught with regulatory hurdles. In July 2025, the US FDA's Oncologic Advisory Committee rejected the drug, Blenrep, over concerns about its safety and toxicity [2]. Despite this setback, GSK remains committed to its oncology strategy and continues to engage with regulatory bodies.

The listing of this drug on the PBS is a testament to the ongoing efforts to improve access to innovative cancer treatments. As the market awaits the US FDA's final decision on Blenrep, the listing on the PBS provides a glimmer of hope for rare cancer sufferers and their families.

References:
[1] https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/cancer-drug-that-offers-rare-cancer-sufferers-hope-is-listed-on-pbs-20250719-p5mg7b.html
[2] https://www.samco.in/knowledge-center/articles/gsk-share-price-drops-over-6-after-us-panel-rejects-key-cancer-drug/
[3] https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/life/health/2025/07/15/cancer-fast-track-pbs