Zolgensma (Onasemnogene abeparvovec)
onasemnogene abeparvovec 20 trillion vector genomes/mL injection [2 x 5.5 mL vials] (&) onasemnogene abeparvovec 20 trillion vector genomes/mL injection [3 x 8.3 mL vials], 1 pack · INJECTION · PBS code 13682D
AUTHORITY_REQUIREDWhat it costs
AU$2527773.87 PBS-determined price per 1 units
Most patients pay only the standard PBS co-payment, not the full price above — up to AU$25.00 per script (general) or AU$7.70 (concession/Safety Net) in 2026. The figure above is what the PBS pays the pharmacy; the Australian Government subsidises the rest. Always confirm the current amount with your pharmacist.
- • First listed on the PBS: 2023-10-01.
- • Repeats: 0.
- • PBS program: HB.
Eligibility criteria for subsidised access
The following is the government's own wording from the PBS Schedule, shown unchanged.
Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits (NHL) - Schedule 4 part 1
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
Use in a patient untreated with disease modifying therapies for this condition
The condition must have genetic confirmation of 5q homozygous deletion of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene; or
The condition must have genetic confirmation of deletion of one copy of the SMN1 gene in addition to a pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant in the remaining single copy of the SMN1 gene; AND
The condition must be pre-symptomatic SMA, with genetic confirmation that there are 3 copies of the survival motor neuron 2 (SMN2) gene; AND
The treatment must not be a PBS-subsidised benefit where the condition has progressed to a point where invasive permanent assisted ventilation (i.e. ventilation via tracheostomy tube for at least 16 hours per day) is required in the absence of potentially reversible causes; AND
The treatment must be given concomitantly with best supportive care for this condition; AND
Must be treated by a specialist medical practitioner experienced in the diagnosis and management of SMA associated with a neuromuscular clinic of a recognised hospital in the management of SMA; or in consultation with a specialist medical practitioner experienced in the diagnosis and management of SMA associated with a neuromuscular clinic of a recognised hospital in the management of SMA; AND
Must be treated in a treatment centre that is each of: (i) recognised in the management of SMA, (ii) accredited in the use of this gene technology by the relevant authority, (iii) will(has) source(d) this product from an accredited supplier, as specified in the administrative notes to this listing; AND
Patient must be undergoing treatment with this pharmaceutical benefit once only in a lifetime; AND
Patient must not be undergoing treatment with this pharmaceutical benefit through this listing where prior treatment has occurred with any of: (i) nusinersen, (ii) risdiplam; AND
Patient must be no older than 9 months of age.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1) details of the proposed prescription; and
(2) a completed authority application form relevant to the indication and treatment phase (the latest version is located on the website specified in the Administrative Advice).
State the weight of the patient in kilograms and request the appropriate product pack presentation with respect to the mix of 5.5 mL and 8.3 mL vials.
Confirm that genetic testing has been completed to demonstrate the following in support of an SMA diagnosis:
(i) 5q homozygous deletion of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene; or
(ii) deletion of one copy of the SMN1 gene in addition to a pathogenic/likely pathogenic variance in the remaining single copy of the SMN1 gene.
Confirm that there is a genetic test finding that substantiates the number of SMN2 gene copies to be 3 and has been determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) or multiple ligation dependent probe amplification (MLPA).
Quote the date, pathology provider name and any unique identifying serial number/code that links the genetic test result to the patient.
Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits (NHL) - Schedule 4 part 1
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
Use occurring after treatment with at least one disease modifying therapy for this condition (i.e. switching from nusinersen/risdiplam to onasemnogene abeparvovec)
The treatment must be given concomitantly with best supportive care for this condition; AND
The treatment must not be a PBS-subsidised benefit where the condition has progressed to a point where invasive permanent assisted ventilation (i.e. ventilation via tracheostomy tube for at least 16 hours per day) is required in the absence of potentially reversible causes; AND
Patient must be undergoing treatment with this pharmaceutical benefit following prior PBS-subsidised treatment with at least one other disease modifying therapy for this condition; AND
Must be treated by a specialist medical practitioner experienced in the diagnosis and management of SMA associated with a neuromuscular clinic of a recognised hospital in the management of SMA; or in consultation with a specialist medical practitioner experienced in the diagnosis and management of SMA associated with a neuromuscular clinic of a recognised hospital in the management of SMA; AND
Must be treated in a treatment centre that is each of: (i) recognised in the management of SMA, (ii) accredited in the use of this gene technology by the relevant authority, (iii) will(has) source(d) this product from an accredited supplier, as specified in the administrative notes to this listing; AND
Patient must be undergoing treatment with this pharmaceutical benefit once only in a lifetime; AND
Patient must be undergoing treatment with this pharmaceutical benefit with the intent that treatment with the replaced disease modifying agent is/has ceased; AND
Patient must be no older than 9 months of age; AND
Patient must have pre-symptomatic SMA with 3 copies of the SMN2 gene.
The authority application must be made in writing and must include:
(1) details of the proposed prescription; and
(2) a completed authority application form relevant to the indication and treatment phase (the latest version is located on the website specified in the Administrative Advice).
Do not resubmit previously submitted documentation concerning the diagnosis and type of SMA.
Confirm that a previous PBS authority application has been approved for pre-symptomatic SMA with 3 copies of SMN2 gene.
State the weight of the patient in kilograms and request the appropriate product pack presentation with respect to the mix of 5.5 mL and 8.3 mL vials.
Adhere to any Product Information or local treatment guidelines with respect to treatment-free ('wash out') periods prior to administering this benefit.
Sponsor: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Limited ABN 18 004 244 160
Not medical advice. Voxsanity republishes public PBS data in plain English. PBS listing status and criteria can change; always confirm current subsidised availability with your doctor or pharmacist.
Source: Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), © Commonwealth of Australia. Data used and redistributed under permission; not modified from its original wording where displayed verbatim.