Successes of the PBS

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

In 2019, Australia funded the first medicine for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which is the leading cause of death for Australian children under the age of two, on the PBS. ‘SMA is a rare genetic neuromuscular condition, which causes progressive muscle wasting (atrophy) and weakness leading to loss of movement.’ Four years on, 3 therapies to treat SMA are now available on the PBS providing hope to parents. The earlier we detect and treat SMA, the better the outcome, making it imperative that children get onto the right course of treatment as quickly as possible.

In August 2022, PBS support was extended to include adult patients who experienced symptoms before the age of 19, becoming the first PBS-listed treatments for ‘adults living with SMA.’

Cervical Cancer

Australia is on track to become the first nation in the world to eliminate cervical cancer in 2035. 2021 presented a significant turning point when, for the first time on record, no cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in women aged under 25 in 2021. This incredible achievement has been made possible by the development of a vaccine for HPV, which was discovered right here in Australia. We were the first country to establish a nationwide program for Australian girls (in 2007) and for Australian boys (in 2013). The development and rollout of this vaccine is considered one of the most significant health programs of the century thus far.