Hundreds of Australians living with severe Crohn's disease have been given greater access to life-changing medication, with the Turnbull government subsidising the drug Stelera.
Stelera (ustekinumab) is one of several medicines added to the PBS on Wednesday.
Prior to listing, the medication - given via injection - would have cost patients $68,000 a year.
Now, it will be available to patients at $38.80 per script or $6.30 for concession card holders.
An estimated 80,000 Australians live with Crohn's - an incurable inflammatory bowel disease which causes crippling pain.
Health Minister Greg Hunt says the PBS listing will help about 2600 Australians who are living with the most severe chronic symptoms of the disease.
During a flare up, inflammation in the colon, rectum and gastrointestinal tract can be so severe that sufferers require hospital treatment and even surgery.
Stelera works by reducing the level of inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to remission.
Three other medications listed on the PBS, including Zydelig(r) for patients with certain types of leukaemia, including relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or small lymphocytic leukaemia.
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