$250 million has been invested into four cancer medications, and will benefit thousands of Australian patients. 

Four cancer medications will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from 1 August, as patients will only pay a maximum of $39.50 per script, or $6.40 if they are concessional patients or pensioners. 

As a result of the investment, cancer patients will save thousands of dollars, some even up to $130,000 per year. 

One of the medication Opdivo, which targets head and neck cancer by utilising the body’s immune system to fight cancer, will be made affordable for almost 1,000 Australian patients. 

Imbruvica, which targets and reduces cancerous cells for lymphoma cancer, will be made affordable for almost 220 Australian patients. 

Neulasta, which helps the body make new neutrophils, a type of while blood cell, will be made affordable for the 1,500 patients who receive chemotherapy. 

Pegasys, which strengthens the body’s immune system with anti-viral and anti-proliferative properties, will be made affordable for the 1,125 patients who has a rare type of leukaemia cancer. 

In addition, $5 million will be added into the budget for children’s brain cancer treatment trial. 

Further, the Federal Government announced an investment of $2.4 billion into the research of new medications in Australia.