Earlier this year infliximab was given a positive recommendation by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) for listing on the PBS in the treatment of Crohn's disease.

However like all medicines it had to go through other processes before getting final government approval. These include pricing negotiations with the manufacturer, finalising of the conditions for listing and other checks and consideration by the government.

Up until quite recently, there were still a number of issues that had to be resolved between the company, the Department of Health and Aging and the PBAC, but thankfully it was announced on 17 August 2007 by the Minister for Health and Aging, Tony Abbott MHR, that Remicade (infliximab) would be made available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from the 1st of October.

This means that for the first time adults and children with Crohn's disease will have subsidised access to this treatment however conditions will apply restricting its use to certain situations and where patients are most in need.