Australians living with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC), an aggressive and less common form of lung cancer1 can now access an immunotherapy, following the announcement that AstraZeneca’s IMFINZI® (durvalumab) will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
From 1 April 2026 IMFINZI® is PBS reimbursed for around 4002 eligible patients per year with limited-stage small cell lung cancer whose disease has not progressed during or following chemoradiation therapy (CRT).3
- Small cell lung cancer accounts for approximately 15% of all lung cancer diagnoses.4 Of these, 30% are diagnosed at limited stage,5 being in only one side of chest and in one part of the lung, (stages 1-3).6
- Despite receiving CRT, many patients with LS-SCLC relapse, with approximately 70% relapsing within five years7 and 5-year survival rates remain low at 27.1%.8
- Cigarette smoking is the primary risk factor for development of SCLC, with 95% of patients diagnosed with SCLC having a history of tobacco use.5,8
- IMFINZI® is a type of immunotherapy and belongs to a group of medicines called immune checkpoint inhibitors. Checkpoint inhibitors work with your immune system to destroy cancer cells.9 IMFINZI® is the first immunotherapy for limited stage small cell lung cancer on the PBS.3
Dr Marie Guillet, Country President of AstraZeneca Australia and New Zealand, which has delivered life-saving cancer medicines to Australians for over 40 years, welcomed the Government’s PBS reimbursement:
“Small cell lung cancer is a less common and devastating disease known to grow and spread rapidly1,” Dr Guillet said.
“The reimbursement of IMFINZI® on the PBS means around 4002 Australians per year may now access a treatment option in the earlier stages of disease.
“AstraZeneca continues to invest in the science to improve patient outcomes, advance healthcare, and create value for society and patients.”
A/Professor Surein Arulananda, Deputy Director of Medical Oncology and Thoracic Oncology trials lead at Monash Health, who treats patients with small cell lung cancer said:
“Despite current treatments for limited-stage small cell lung cancer, survival rates for patients remain suboptimal,” A/Prof Arulananda said.
“The PBS listing of durvalumab is the first immunotherapy treatment option for eligible patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer.
“This represents a step forward in addressing an urgent unmet need for Australians living with this aggressive disease.”
Mark Brooke, CEO of Lung Foundation Australia, welcomed the announcement, highlighting its potential impact for people with limited-stage small cell lung cancer.
“For people facing a diagnosis of limited-stage small cell lung cancer, this is a step forward in a disease where treatment options have remained limited,” Mr Brooke said.
“This PBS listing introduces an additional option at a critical point in the pathway, where there has historically been limited intervention despite a high risk of relapse.
“Importantly, it would ensure equitable access so patients can receive this treatment based on clinical need, not their ability to pay.”
ABOUT IMFINZI®9
Indication: IMFINZI® as monotherapy is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) whose disease has not progressed following platinum-based chemoradiation therapy.
Precautions: Patients should inform their doctor if they have: an autoimmune disease like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or lupus; have had an organ transplant; have lung or breathing problems; have liver problems; have any other medical conditions; or take any medications for any other condition. Patients should inform their doctor if they are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, are breastfeeding or intending to breastfeed.
Interactions: Patients should tell their doctor or pharmacist if they are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Side effects: Most common side effects include cough, diarrhoea, stomach pain, skin rash or itchiness, fever, swelling of the legs, upper respiratory tract infections, hypothyroidism, nausea, hair loss, decreased appetite, feeling weak or tired, constipation and vomiting.
More information can be found in the IMFINZI® Consumer Medicine Information here:
IMFINZI® Consumer Medicine Information
PBS Information3: Authority Required (Streamlined). Refer to PBS Schedule for full Authority Required Information.
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A/Prof Surein Arulananda has been involved in clinical trials sponsored by AstraZeneca; and has served on advisory boards for which compensation was received. In relation to this media announcement, no compensation was provided to A/Prof Arulananda and the opinions expressed are his own. A/Prof Arulananda has been briefed by AstraZeneca on the approved use of this product.
Media Contacts
AstraZeneca Australia
IMFINZI® is a trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies. ABN 54 009 682 311.
66 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113. www.astrazeneca.com.au.
For Medical Information enquiries or to report an adverse event or product quality complaint: Telephone 1800 805 342 or via https://contactazmedical.astrazeneca.com or email Medical Information enquiries to medinfo.australia@astrazeneca.com
Notes to editors
Lung cancer in Australia
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and the fifth most common cancer diagnosed in Australia. It is responsible for almost one in five cancer deaths in Australia. It is estimated that 15,122 people were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2024.4
There are two main types of primary lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for approximately 85% of all diagnoses and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) which accounts for approximately 15%.4
About IMFINZI®9
IMFINZI® contains the active ingredient durvalumab. IMFINZI® is a monoclonal antibody, a type of protein. It is a type of immunotherapy and belongs to a group of medicines called immune checkpoint inhibitors. It works with the patient’s immune system to destroy cancer cells. It is currently available on the PBS in lung cancer for extensive stage SCLC and unresectable stage 3 non-small-cell lung cancer. It is also on the PBS for biliary tract, endometrial and liver cancers.
IMFINZI® is prescribed and administered to patients in a hospital or clinic via infusion.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/NYSE: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in three therapy areas – Oncology; Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism; and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in more than 100 countries, and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.
For more information, please visit www.astrazeneca.com.au
References
1. Lung Foundation Australia 2026. Lung Cancer Overview. Available from: https://lungfoundation.com.au/lung-diseases/lung-cancer Accessed March 2026
2. AZ information on file
3. Recommendations made by the PBAC July 2025. Available from: July 2025 PBAC meeting outcomes Accessed March 2026
4. Cancer Council. Types of Cancer Available from: https://www.cancer.org.au/types-of-cancer/lung-cancer Accessed March 2026
5. Kim SY, Park HS, Chiang AC. Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Review. JAMA. 2025;333(21):1906–1917. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.0560. Available from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2832148 Accessed March 2026
6. Cancer Council NSW. Staging and prognosis for lung cancer. Available from: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/lung-cancer/diagnosis/staging-prognosis/ Accessed March 2026
7. Behrouzi R, Blackhall F. State of the art in treatment of small cell lung cancer. Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology. 2025;17. doi:10.1177/17588359251363518 Available from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17588359251363518 Accessed March 2026
8. Victorian Lung Cancer Registry. Annual Report 2023 Available from: https://vlcr.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/VLCR-Annual-Report-2023.pdf
9. IMFINZI® Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) IMFINZI Consumer Medicine Information Accessed March 2026
AstraZeneca Pty. Ltd. ABN 54 009 682 311. 66 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113. www.astrazeneca.com.au
For Medical Information enquiries or to report an adverse event or product quality complaint: Telephone 1800 805 342 or via https://contactazmedical.astrazeneca.com | AU-24884 March 2026