Health Industry Forum outlines opportunities for investment and growth in Australia’s innovative medicines sector
Medicines Australia was pleased to attend the first Health Industry Forum, hosted by Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane MP, Health Minister Sussan Ley MP and Assistant Health Minister Fiona Nash MP at Parliament House today.
The forum provided an opportunity for government and industry to work together to highlight opportunities for future investment and growth in areas such as clinical trials and the manufacture of innovative, new medicines in Australia.
Medicines Australia CEO Tim James said, “This is a welcome initiative by the Federal Government which, if words turn into action, will not only help create jobs and boost the economy but also improve Australians’ access to the latest innovative medicines.”
“We look forward to working with the Government on its plan for an Industry Growth Centre for medical technologies and medicines, which has the potential to improve collaboration between our scientific research agencies and the medicines industry.”
“Today’s forum also highlighted the need to improve and streamline processes for clinical trials, including harmonisation of ethics approval between the different states and local hospitals as well as improving patient recruitment.”
“This is a welcome development. Clinical trials create thousands of jobs and keep Australia at the forefront of innovation, however, in recent years the number of trials here has declined.”
“There is enormous global competition for these research and development investment dollars so we need to work together and harder to make Australia a more attractive place for innovative industries to grow and contribute to the community.”
“There is a lot of work ahead but the Health Industry Forum helps to set the framework for a promising future for the innovative medicines industry. “
Contact:
James Boyce
Phone: 0423 239 265
Email: James.Boyce@medicinesaustralia.com.au
Alexia Vlahos
Phone: (02) 6122 8503
Email: Alexia.Vlahos@medicinesaustralia.com.au