About Us

BETTER HEALTH THROUGH RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Medicines Australia represents the innovative medicines industry in Australia. Our member companies comprise more than 80 percent of the prescription pharmaceuticals market, and are engaged in the research, development, manufacture, supply and export of prescription medicines.

Medicines save lives, reduce and cure disease. Medicines Australia is committed to enhancing the health of Australians by providing access to medicines of the highest quality, safety and efficacy.

The pharmaceutical industry is a key industry in Australia which provides benefits to both Australians’ health and the health of Australia’s economy. Pharmaceutical companies are constantly working on bringing new effective medicines to patients and invest around $752 million in research and development each year.

Our Association represents a high technology, knowledge-intensive industry, contributing significantly to the Australian economy as an employer and exporter. The industry sells over $11 billion worth of medications domestically and directly employs over 14,000 people in Australia. In 2007, Australian pharmaceutical manufacturing exports totalled $3.9 billion.

Medicines Australia represents the innovative medicines industry by: 

• Participating in health and industry policy development 
• Building and maintaining relationships with government to ensure the continuation of a viable pharmaceutical industry 
• Actively engaging with key consumer groups to better understand their needs and issues and educating the general community about the industry in Australia 
• Administering the Code of Conduct which sets the standard for the ethical marketing and promotion of prescription medicines 
• Working along with other health professional organisations to discuss issues of mutual concern