Thyroid eye disease drug debuts on PBS
PBS now covers teprotumumab. It's the first treatment for thyroid eye disease under this scheme.
About 450 Australians are diagnosed with thyroid eye disease each year. The rare condition occurs when the immune system attacks tissues around the eye.
The condition causes bulging, double vision, pain and loss of sight. Federal MP Alison Byrnes was diagnosed in 2024 after hiking the Kokoda Track.
She had three months of steroid treatment. Then she had immunotherapy and two corrective surgeries to manage her condition.
From November 1, teprotumumab (Tepezza) is the first PBS-covered treatment for thyroid eye disease. Qualified patients will pay a most of $25 per script.
Without the subsidy, the cost is up to $10,800. About 310 Australians yearly are expected to benefit.
The drug targets the swelling causing the condition. It carries risks including hearing loss and cannot be used in pregnancy.
- about 450
- Annual diagnoses in Australia
- maximum 25 dollars
- PBS cost per script
- up to 10,800 dollars
- Unsubsidised cost
- about 310
- Expected yearly beneficiaries
Why it mattersPatients can now afford the first effective treatment without major surgery or huge out-of-pocket costs.
AustraliaAbout 310 Australians yearly will access subsidised treatment, cutting costs from $10,800 per script to $25.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
