Lung Foundation Australia has welcomed the positive recommendations from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to expand Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings for dupilumab and mepolizumab for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with an eosinophilic phenotype.
The recommendations, made at the PBAC’s March 2026 meeting, relate to the use of these biologic therapies as add-on maintenance treatments for adults with uncontrolled COPD who continue to experience exacerbations despite optimised inhaled triple therapy.
In Australia, COPD remains a significant public health challenge, with an estimated 638,000 people living with the condition nationwide.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said the recommendations represent an important milestone for people living with COPD who have limited treatment options once standard therapies are maximised.
“Today’s recommendation is a welcome and encouraging step forward for Australians living with COPD, particularly those with an eosinophilic phenotype who continue to experience exacerbations despite best available inhaled therapies,” Mr Brooke said.
“While this is not yet a PBS listing, it is a critical first step toward improving access to new, targeted treatments that have the potential to reduce exacerbations and improve quality of life.”
Mr Brooke emphasised the importance of timely progress toward PBS listing to ensure equitable access for patients who may benefit.
“We know that COPD places a significant burden on individuals, families and the healthcare system. Expanding the range of evidence-based treatment options is essential to improving outcomes for people living with this chronic condition,” he said.
The timeline for any potential PBS listing has not yet been confirmed.
More information on the PBAC recommendations is available here:
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