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Crohn's disease (CD) Program in Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) 012-18051111

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This document outlines details of PBS-subsidised biological medicines for patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and fistulising Crohn's disease (FCD).

CD and listing dates

CD is an immune condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

Listing dates:

  • infliximab - 1 October 2007
  • adalimumab - 1 August 2008
  • vedolizumab - 1 August 2015
  • ustekinumab - 1 September 2017
  • upadacitinib - 1 December 2023

See Written Authority Required Drugs for more details.

FCD and listing dates

FCD is a similar condition to CD affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

Listing dates:

  • infliximab - 1 August 2010
  • adalimumab - 1 April 2011
  • ustekinumab - 1 January 2024

See Written Authority Required Drugs for more details.

Treatment specifics

A break in treatment cycles is measured:

  • from the date of last approval for PBS-subsidised biological medicine treatment in the most recent cycle
  • to the date of the first application for initial treatment with a biological medicine under the new treatment cycle

There is no limit to the number of treatment cycles.

See Treatment breaks and failures for full details.

Enquiries

Transfer enquiries about prescription arrangements to PBS Complex Drugs Programs and choose the option relevant to the condition treated.

The Resources page contains:

  • application forms
  • calculation sheets
  • contact details
  • restriction and item codes
  • treatment specifics
  • FAQs from Service Officers
  • the PBS schedule
  • Services Australia website link

Online Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Authorities System (OPA System)

Process telephone Authority approval application

Processing and National Demand Allocation (PaNDA)

Processing Complex Authority Required Listings

Processing Written Authority requests

Written Authority Required Drugs