Australians living with uncontrolled severe asthma, a debilitating condition with persistent and life-threatening symptoms1 can now access a new biological treatment, following the announcement that AstraZeneca’s TEZSPIRE® (tezepelumab) will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
From 1 July 2026, TEZSPIRE® is PBS reimbursed for the treatment of patients aged 12 years and older with uncontrolled severe asthma that is eosinophilic or allergic2.
- 2.8 million Australians (approximately 11% of the Australian population)3 are living with asthma, and 3-10% of those with asthma have a severe form4.
- Severe asthma has been defined as asthma that remains uncontrolled despite high-dose inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting beta-agonists or ICS/LABA (with correct inhaler technique and good adherence) or maintenance oral corticosteroids, or that requires such treatment to prevent it becoming uncontrolled5.
- Severe asthma negatively impacts health and quality of life for people and their families and represents a major healthcare cost to our society. People with severe asthma have frequent symptoms and attacks, with high rates of depression and anxiety.6
- TEZSPIRE®’s active ingredient tezepelumab is an antibody (a type of protein) that targets a protein called thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). TSLP plays a central role in causing the signs and symptoms of asthma. This medicine works by blocking the action of TSLP.7
Dr Marie Guillet, Country President of AstraZeneca Australia and New Zealand, which has supported respiratory care in Australia for over 40 years, welcomed the PBS reimbursement.
“Severe asthma can greatly disrupt daily life, limiting normal activities, work, study, travel, and exercise8,” Ms Guillet said.
“The reimbursement of TEZSPIRE® on the PBS means eligible Australians living with uncontrolled severe asthma may now access a new treatment option to manage their disease.”
Associate Professor Gregory Katsoulotos, Respiratory Physician at St George Specialist Centre Kogarah and St Vincent’s Clinic, and a member of the National Asthma Council Guidelines Committee with extensive experience in diagnosing and managing severe asthma, said: “I am pleased that new biologics like Tezepelumab (TEZSPIRE®) will now be available and affordable on the PBS to Australians with severe asthma.
“The time for living on oral steroids for asthma ended years ago. Biologic therapies are the new standard of care in such people. If asthma remains uncontrolled despite treatment, one should discuss referral to a qualified physician as these medications can only be accessed via the PBS through a physician and not via their GP – the sooner, the better.”
Kate Miranda, CEO of Asthma Australia, supports the announcement, highlighting the importance of reimbursed access to new medicines to provide affordable treatment options.
“People with severe asthma suffer from persistent symptoms and attacks despite optimal preventer medication and asthma management. Severe asthma places a heavy physical, psychological and financial burden on individuals and their families,” Ms Miranda said.
“Subsidising treatments is therefore critical for eligible Australians living with severe asthma.”
ABOUT TEZSPIRE®7
Indication: TEZSPIRE® is used with other asthma medicines to treat severe asthma in adults and adolescents (12 years of age and older) when the disease is not controlled with the current asthma medicines.
Precautions: Patients should inform their doctor if: your asthma remains uncontrolled or worsens during treatment; you have ever had a severe allergic reaction; you have a parasitic infection or if you live in an area where parasitic infections are common or if you are travelling to such a region; you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines for any other condition, even those not prescribed; you have recently had or are due to have a vaccination; you have recently had a serious infection; if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or intend to become pregnant; and if you are breastfeeding or intend 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. Do not suddenly stop taking your other asthma medicines once you have started TEZSPIRE®. Tell your doctor if you have recently received a vaccine or are due to have a vaccination.
Side effects: Less serious side effects include sore throat; injection site reaction; joint pain and rash. Serious side effects include allergic reaction, symptoms may include rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded.
More information can be found in the TEZSPIRE® Consumer Medicine Information here: TEZSPIRE Consumer Medicine Information
PBS Information9: TEZSPIRE® will be listed on the PBS from 1 July 2026. TEZSPIRE will be listed as a Section 100 item. Refer to PBS Schedule for full authority information.
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A/Prof Greg Katsoulotos has been engaged by AstraZeneca for activities, including advisory boards, for which compensation was received. In relation to this media announcement, no compensation was provided to A/Prof Katsoulotos and the opinions expressed are his own. A/Prof Katsoulotos has been briefed by AstraZeneca on the approved use of this product.
Media Contacts
AstraZeneca Australia - anzmedia@astrazeneca.com
TEZSPIRE® is a registered trademark of Amgen Inc. and AstraZeneca. 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 or email Medical Information enquiries to medinfo.australia@astrazeneca.com
Notes to editors
About TEZSPIRE®7
TEZSPIRE® contains the active ingredient tezepelumab, an antibody (a type of protein) that recognises and binds to a specific target substance in the body. The target of tezepelumab is a protein called thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). TSLP plays a central role in causing the signs and symptoms of asthma. This medicine works by blocking the action of TSLP.
TEZSPIRE® is used with other asthma medicines to treat severe asthma in adults and adolescents (12 years of age and older) when the disease is not controlled with the current asthma medicines. TEZSPIRE® is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously). The recommended dose is 210 mg every 4 weeks.
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
- Asthma Australia. What is severe asthma - https://asthma.org.au/about-asthma/severe-asthma/. Accessed June 2026
- Tezspire Public Summary Document - https://www.pbs.gov.au/industry/pbac/psd/2025/11/tezepelumab-psd-november-2025.pdf?variant=3
- ASAR Australasian Severe Asthma Registry. Annual Report 2024. The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand Ltd. https://thoracic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ASAR-Public-Annual-Report-2024.pdf Accessed June 2026
- Centre of Excellence in Severe Asthma. Severe Asthma Toolkit - What is Severe Asthma. https://toolkit.severeasthma.org.au/severe-asthma/overview/ Accessed June 2026.
- National Asthma Council - Monoclonal antibody therapy for severe asthma https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/living-with-asthma/resources/health-professionals/information-paper/monoclonal-antibody-therapy-for-severe-asthma. Accessed June 2026
- Centre of Excellence in Severe Asthma https://www.severeasthma.org.au/. Accessed June 2026
- TEZSPIRE® Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) TEZSPIRE Consumer Medicine Information Accessed March 2026
- Centre of Excellence in Severe Asthma. Severe Asthma Toolkit https://toolkit.severeasthma.org.au/living-severe-asthma/overview/ Accessed June 2026
- https://www.pbs.gov.au/home
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-25623. June 2026