What happened
In January 2026, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) — the body that recommends which medications should be government-subsidised — gave a positive recommendation for Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg). This was a significant milestone, but it's not the final step.
After a positive PBAC recommendation, the government must negotiate a price with the manufacturer (Novo Nordisk). Only after price negotiations are completed does the medication actually appear on the PBS. These negotiations can take months.
Who would qualify?
The recommended PBS criteria are narrow — much narrower than the general TGA prescribing criteria:
- BMI ≥35 kg/m² (or ≥32.5 for Asian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander populations)
- AND established cardiovascular disease — specifically prior heart attack (myocardial infarction), stroke, or symptomatic peripheral arterial disease
This means most Australians currently using Wegovy for weight management alone would not qualify initially. The criteria target the population studied in the SELECT trial, where Wegovy showed a 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events.
What would it cost on PBS?
| Current private price | Estimated PBS price | |
|---|---|---|
| General patients | $400–460/month | ~$31.60/script |
| Concession card holders | $400–460/month | ~$7.70/script |
| Annual cost | $4,800–5,500 | ~$380 (general) / ~$92 (concession) |
That's a potential saving of over $4,000 per year for eligible patients.
When will it be listed?
There is no confirmed date. Price negotiations between the government and Novo Nordisk are underway. Based on historical timelines for other medications, PBS listing typically takes 6–18 months after a positive PBAC recommendation. This suggests a possible listing date in late 2026 or early 2027 — but this is speculative.
We will update this page immediately when any announcement is made.
Will the criteria broaden over time?
Possibly. Initial PBS listings often start with narrow criteria, then expand as the government gathers real-world data on cost and effectiveness. If the initial listing proves cost-effective, there's a pathway to broadening eligibility — potentially to include patients with BMI ≥35 without cardiovascular disease, or lower BMI thresholds.
However, the estimated cost to the government of wider subsidisation is significant — potentially over $1 billion annually if all eligible Australians accessed it. This fiscal reality will influence how quickly criteria broaden.
What should you do now?
- If you meet the PBS criteria (BMI ≥35 + CVD), discuss with your doctor — they can prepare for prescribing once listing is confirmed
- If you don't meet PBS criteria, Wegovy is still available on private prescription at $400–460/month
- Consider Mounjaro as an alternative — higher average weight loss, though no PBS prospect
- Bookmark this page — we'll update it as soon as there's news