Patient eligibility
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises treatment with biological agents under the National Health Act 1953, section 85 for patients with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.
Where the term 'biological agent' appears it refers to golimumab, certolizumab pegol and secukinumab.
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:
- upload through Health Professional Online Services (HPOS)
- post 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 change or recommencement of treatment
Applications to 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.
Applying for continuing treatment
Applications for continuing 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.