Background
In September 2024, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) considered the Post-market Review (PMR) work plan and agreed that the Department proceed with a research project on treatments for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Consistent with the 2024 Post-market Review Framework, the PBAC may request preliminary research on an issue to inform its consideration of whether a Post-market Review is required.
The PBAC noted that the PBS prices of higher-efficacy disease modifying treatments (DMTs) for RRMS have diverged since the price reduction of fingolimod on 1 December 2022. The PBAC recalled that there is currently no PBS requirement for patients to trial less costly medicines for RRMS before moving to more expensive therapies. The PBAC noted that an analysis of the PBS market for RRMS medicines had not been undertaken for some time and advised that a utilisation analysis of the current market for PBS-listed medicines for RRMS, including information around the market share of fingolimod would be informative.
DUSC and PBAC consideration
The Department undertook a utilisation analysis of PBS-listed medicines for RRMS. In May 2025, sponsors of PBS-listed DMTs for RRMS were invited to comment on the analysis. In June 2025, the Drug Utilisation Sub-Committee (DUSC) of the PBAC considered the utilisation analysis and the report was provided to PBAC at its July 2025 meeting.
Utilisation report
The utilisation report, including the DUSC consideration, is provided below. Commercial-in-confidence information has been redacted.
- Utilisation analysis of PBS-listed disease modifying therapies for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (2025) – (Word 1.6 MB)
- Utilisation analysis of PBS-listed disease modifying therapies for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (2025) – (PDF 2.1 MB)
Further Information
Read more about Post-market Reviews.
For enquiries, please email the Quality Use of Medicines Reviews and Programs Section.