Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (AXSPA) Program in Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) 012-18112216

This document outlines details of PBS-subsidised biological medicine for patients with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (AXSPA).

For information on how to process a PBS Authority, see Processing Complex Authority Required Listings.

Restrictions	Authority level and section	PA assessment	Processing system	Prescriber type	Prescriber self-serve
Initial PB255 form	Written Electronic S85: bimekizumab certolizumab pegol golimumab secukinumab upadacitinib	No	OPA	Must be treated by a: rheumatologist clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis	Yes – immediate or delayed assessment (delayed if any free text option used)
Continuing	Telephone Electronic S85: bimekizumab certolizumab pegol golimumab secukinumab upadacitinib	No	OPA	Must be treated by a: rheumatologist clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis	Yes
Change or: Recommencement after a break (< 5 years), or Recommencement - after a break (> 5 years)	Telephone Electronic S85: bimekizumab certolizumab pegol golimumab secukinumab upadacitinib	No	OPA	Must be treated by a: rheumatologist clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis	Yes
Balance of supply	Telephone Electronic S85: bimekizumab certolizumab pegol golimumab secukinumab upadacitinib	No	OPA	Must be treated by a: rheumatologist clinical immunologist with expertise in the management of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis	Yes

Delayed assessment

Delayed assessment due to contraindication and/or intolerance to optimised AXSPA therapy.

Table 2 lists the details of what to check for the delayed assessment and common acronyms.

Service Officers to assess that the free text is:	Examples	Outcome
Relevant to the question category Name	Adverse reaction/contraindication and/or intolerance Allergic reaction or hypersensitivity	Approve
Random text	Happy Birthday Patient did not want to take Ikasditbn	Reject
Non-descriptive	Toxicity	Reject

Common acronyms

Escalate to a Pharmaceutical Adviser (PA) by phone if unsure of acronym used.

Operational Information