A nasal spray used to treat depression will be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
The spray, called Spravato, is designed for people with treatment-resistant depression. It contains a form of ketamine.
It’s the first time in 30 years that the Government has subsidised a new medication for depression.
Depression
Treatment-resistant depression is diagnosed when a patient does not respond to at least two forms of conventional treatment, including antidepressant medication and therapy.
According to the Black Dog Institute, one third of patients with depression do not respond to antidepressants.
Ketamine
Ketamine is commonly used in medicine and by vets as an anaesthetic.
It’s a dissociative drug, meaning it acts on brain chemicals, and can stop the brain from receiving pain messages.
Ketamine can be used as treatment to eligible patients who haven’t reacted to antidepressants or other medical advice, as well as people who can’t take medication due to side effects.
Spravato contains esketamine, a form of ketamine.
New treatment
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The Government confirmed it would subsidise Spravato in the 2025/26 Budget, beginning on 1 May 2025.
Spravato targets the brain’s chemical messenger, restoring brain connections that relieve depression.
University of Sydney Professor Ian Hickie told the Australian Associated Press the medication “regulates [the] brain circuits that regulate mood in a different way” to other medications.
PBS listing
According to UNSW, Spravato currently costs around $500 to $900 per dose. After its listing on the PBS, it will now cost patients less than $32 per dose.
Health Minister Mark Butler told TDA the listing “will improve the quality of life for thousands of Australians.”
Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston told TDA: “[The Coalition] welcome[s] new listings on the PBS to ensure Australians have cheaper access to the treatments they need, particularly for mental health conditions.”
Accessibility
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) welcomed the listing of Spravato, but raised concerns about its accessibility.
Spravato is only available in certified clinics with the resources to safely dose monitor patients.
“Only a few GPs have experience in prescribing and managing the complexity, and our current Medicare system disincentivises us to offer this treatment,” said Dr Cathy Andronis, RACGP chair of psychological medicine.
