Overview

• Spravato, an esketamine-based nasal spray, will be subsidized under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme starting May 1, 2025, costing $31.60 per dose or $7.70 for concession card holders.
• The medication targets the neurotransmitter glutamate, providing relief within hours for many patients, unlike traditional serotonin-based antidepressants that take weeks to show effects.
• Australian clinical trials showed significant improvement in about 50% of patients with treatment-resistant depression, highlighting its potential for those unresponsive to conventional treatments.
• Patients will still face high out-of-pocket costs for supervised administration in certified clinics, raising accessibility concerns for those reliant on public healthcare.
• Experts emphasize the need for expanded public clinic access and clinician training to ensure safe and equitable treatment amid rising interest in ketamine-based therapies.