Tuesday, 18 August 2026
PBS expansion for triptorelin, New PBS authority script integration, 1.7 million at measles risk
- 01
PBAC recommends PBS expansion for triptorelin in women's health
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has recommended expanding triptorelin's PBS listing to include several women's health conditions, following the removal of Zoladex from the Australian market. The triptorelin 3.75 mg intramuscular injection, currently listed for prostate cancer, will now be available for conditions such as breast cancer, endometriosis, and fibroids. The PBAC deemed an unrestricted listing acceptable based on cost-effectiveness compared to goserelin. A review of triptorelin's utilisation will occur two years post-amendment to assess any changes in usage.
via RACGP newsGP
- 02
New integration streamlines PBS authority script submissions for GPs
Best Practice has launched a new integration that allows GPs to submit PBS authority scripts without using HPOS, significantly reducing administrative burdens. The feature, developed in partnership with AI scribe Lyrebird, enables GPs to create, save, and synchronise authority scripts directly within the program. This integration allows GPs to log into PRODA once per day, compared to the previous requirement of frequent logins and multi-factor authentication. Dr Hamish Graham, a member of the development team, noted that the time taken to write an authority script has decreased from five minutes to approximately 20 seconds.
- 03
1.7 million Australians vulnerable to measles, study finds
A study from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance revealed that approximately 1.7 million Australians were vulnerable to measles in 2019, with about 6.7% not sufficiently immunised. Although Australia maintained a herd immunity rate of 93.3% in 2019, researchers warn that this margin is decreasing, especially as childhood vaccination rates have declined since the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising measles cases linked to international travel have been reported, with 112 cases documented this year. The study's lead author, Zoë Croker, emphasised the need for GPs to check vaccination status, particularly for patients travelling to countries with ongoing measles outbreaks.
via RACGP newsGP
- 04
Senate Recommends NDIS Amendments Amidst Opposition
The Senate inquiry recommended passing the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026, despite nearly 5000 submissions opposing the bill. Medical advocates express concern over the absence of GPs from the final report, which they argue risks the assessment and support for NDIS participants. The amendments aim to reduce annual NDIS growth from 22% to a sustainable 5-6%, potentially affecting an estimated 241,000 people with disabilities by 2031. Critics, including disability rights advocates and healthcare organisations, warn that rushed implementation could create gaps in support and undermine the rights of disabled individuals.
- 05
Intravenous iron use among Australian women rises 17-fold since 2013
Intravenous iron dispensing among Australian women of reproductive age increased 17-fold from 2013 to 2024, with annual expenditure exceeding $82 million. A national study found that one in 20 women aged 18 to 44 received intravenous iron in 2024, raising concerns about the appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of this treatment. The increase is attributed to greater awareness of iron deficiency and challenges with oral iron therapy. Significant variations in prescribing practices were noted across states and among different prescribers, prompting calls for further evaluation of treatment practices and equity in access.
- 06
Pilots and flight attendants face higher cancer mortality rates
Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine indicates that pilots and flight attendants have increased cancer-related mortality compared to other occupations, attributed to higher exposure to cosmic and ultraviolet radiation. The study analysed over 12 million death certificates from 2020 to 2024, revealing that 6.9% of flight attendants and 6.7% of pilots died from radiation-related cancers. Specific cancers with elevated mortality rates among these groups include breast, central nervous system, prostate, and melanoma. Experts have called for enhanced cancer awareness and screening for these occupations in light of the findings.
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.