Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

The PBS subsidises biological agents for patients with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

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:

All written applications must include the completed:

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:

All written applications must include the completed:

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:

More information

Call the PBS Complex Drugs Programs enquiry line for more information.

Page last updated: 1 August 2023.
QC 46841