Australia expands palliative care support and subsidizes MND treatment

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has announced a new initiative to expand the role of pharmacists in palliative care. From 2026 to 2030, the PSA will implement programs to upskill pharmacists, broaden their involvement in advance care planning, and develop new career pathways. This workforce development initiative, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, follows previous successful pilots that embedded pharmacists within specialist palliative care community teams.

In a separate healthcare development, the Australian Federal Government has listed the drug Tofersen (Qalsody) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Effective October 1, the listing will provide a targeted treatment for approximately 70 Australians annually who live with a rare genetic form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a subtype of motor neurone disease (MND).

The PBS subsidy will significantly reduce the cost of the medication from approximately $28,600 per script to a maximum of $25 for eligible patients, or $7.70 for concession card holders. Health Minister Mark Butler noted that the treatment works by reducing SOD1 protein production, which may help slow disease progression and assist patients in maintaining physical function.