Overview

• Spravato, an esketamine-based nasal spray, is now subsidized under Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, reducing its cost to as low as $31.60 per dose.
• This marks the first new government-funded treatment for major depression in three decades, targeting the glutamate system for faster symptom relief compared to traditional antidepressants.
• The treatment is expected to benefit up to 30,000 Australians with treatment-resistant depression, though patients still face significant out-of-pocket costs for clinic administration and supervision.
• Experts emphasize the need for expanded public clinic capacity and clinician training to ensure safe and equitable access to the treatment.
• Concerns persist over potential long-term side effects, such as bladder damage, and the affordability of ongoing treatment for lower-income patients.