Patient eligibility
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises treatment with biological agents under the National Health Act 1953, section 85 for patients aged 18 years or older with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.
Where the term ‘biological agent’ appears it refers to golimumab, certolizumab pegol, secukinumab and upadacitinib.
Patients must be eligible for the PBS and meet the relevant restriction criteria.
The Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits on the PBS website outlines the restrictions for prescribing biological agents.
Treatment specifics
To be eligible for PBS-subsidised treatment with biological agents, patients must be treated by either a:
- rheumatologist
- clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.
Authority applications
Applying for initial treatment
Apply for initial authority approval to prescribe PBS-subsidised biological agents to treat non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in writing and either:
- use HPOS Form upload
- mail to PBS Complex Drugs Programs.
All written applications must include the completed:
- authority prescription form or forms
- non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis - initial authority application form
- relevant attachments.
Applying for initial grandfather treatment
For patients who received non-PBS-subsidised upadacitinib treatment before 1 August 2023 for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, apply for initial grandfather authority approval in writing and either:
- use HPOS Form upload
- mail to PBS Complex Drugs Programs.
All written applications must include the completed:
- authority prescription form or forms
- non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis - upadacitinib - initial grandfather authority application form
- relevant attachments.
Applying for continuing, change or recommencement of treatment
Applications to continue, change or recommence authority approval to prescribe PBS-subsidised biological agents to treat non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis can be made either:
- in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system
- by calling the PBS Complex Drugs Programs enquiry line.
More information
Call the PBS Complex Drugs Programs enquiry line for more information.