Global tensions with US President Donald Trump could threaten affordable medicines in Australia, as one woman is forced to spend $220 every month on medication that allows her to walk. Chrissy Symeonakis, a Sydney woman diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), has permanent nerve damage and disability on her right side, making walking difficult. She takes Fampyra, a potassium blocker that helps people with MS move more easily, but the drug has been rejected from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which provides cheaper medicines to Australians at a maximum cost of $25 per script or $7.70 for concession card holders.
Fampyra was subsidised in Wales and Scotland in 2019 and 2020 and is under consideration in England after being rejected four years ago. In Australia, two attempts to list it on the PBS have failed. Experts warn that the PBS system needs changes due to delays in accessing innovative medicines and an overwhelmed approvals system. According to a Medicines Australia report, only 44% of new medicines registered in Australia between 2016 and 2021 have been subsidised, compared to 96% in Japan, 84% in Germany, and 80% in the UK.
Another threat looms from US President Donald Trump's favoured nation executive order, which aims to ensure Americans do not pay more for drugs than elsewhere. University of Melbourne health economics specialist Dr Joe Carrello said the PBS system is unique but faces risk from geopolitical tensions. "Specifically from the US, there is a risk that Australia is not seen as a good country to launch drugs. If Australia is not paying a lot, companies won't come because the US would price match to the lowest price," he said. This could lead to companies deciding not to launch drugs in Australia.
Ms Symeonakis, diagnosed with MS over 13 years ago, has been on seven different medications, some causing side effects like skin cancer and type 2 diabetes. She pays around $600 per month for essential medications and vitamins. Fampyra has made a "massive difference" but is not PBS-listed due to inadequate evidence of comparative effectiveness. MS Australia Deputy CEO Dr Julia Morahan said it is vital that high efficacy medications are listed on the PBS to ensure affordable access. Pharmacist and UNSW Associate Professor Ramesh Walpola noted that Australia has one of the best systems but faces challenges from rising drug costs and offshore production. A Health Technology Assessment review in 2024 made 50 recommendations, but the government has not yet implemented them. A Department of Health spokesperson said the government is progressing implementation through a staged approach.
