World's biggest drug wins broad PBS listing

The world's biggest drug will be funded for an additional 10,000-plus Australians over the next four years after the Federal Government announced a multi-indication listing for MSD's Keytruda.

The milestone decision will see the oncology blockbuster subsidised through the PBS from 1 September for eligible Australians whose cancer cannot be surgically removed and is known to be sensitive to immunotherapy. It is a major win for Australians living with certain advanced and metastatic cancers including those with rare or less common cancers who have limited treatment options.

Keytruda is registered on the ARTG for 29 advanced and metastatic indications across different cancer types but until now only 13 were previously PBS-funded. The broad listing short-cuts the usual wait of an average of 466 days between hitting the ARTG and reimbursement.