Taxpayer subsidies for three drugs

Drugs to treat early puberty, multiple sclerosis and pancreatic cancer will now be subsidised by taxpayers at a cost of $75 million.

Lemtrada, used by more than 1000 patients suffering relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, has been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

A further 580 patients with pancreatic cancer will get subsidised access to Afinitor while 520 young people suffering from central precocious puberty will get cheaper Lucrin.