Category: Media release

Australians rank access to affordable healthcare as second most important priority after cost of living: survey

Australians rank access to affordable healthcare as second most important priority after cost of living: survey

4 December 2024: Access to affordable healthcare, including fast access to new medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), is the second most important priority for Australians behind cost of living, data from the latest Mood of the Nation survey by SEC Newgate shows.

The survey of 1,611 Australians found 68% believe the Government should be investing more to ensure quality affordable healthcare for all Australians and rank it as the second most important priority behind reducing cost increases for household bills and other essential expenses.

Nearly three quarters of Australians (74%) believe the Government should subside the best medicines available, even if it means more of a cost to taxpayers.

Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said the results show access to medicines remains an extremely important issue for Australians and investing in a stronger PBS makes sense for the economy and the health of the nation.

“This survey shows Australians want to see more investment in the PBS. We know Australians are very concerned about their health today, as it links to their employment, financial security and quality of life,” Ms de Somer said.

“The Mood of the Nation survey shows a higher number of Australians are very concerned about access to medicines, and more people are realising our Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and the systems that sit behind are not keeping pace with medical advances.”

More than half of Australians (57%) rate access to the most appropriate form of medication for their circumstances as their main priority when it comes to medicines, such as a tablet, liquid, injection or other form. Around one in five (18%) rate access to the latest medicines as most important.

In addition, 11% of respondents were unable to access the medicine they need through the PBS.

“Policy makers need to start viewing the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme as an investment in health, wellbeing and productivity. We need to look at the productivity gains medicines offer, potential savings in other areas of the health system, and the full impact of those gains on society when determining if medicine should be made available on the PBS. This includes how we assess and value different forms of medicines.”

“Australians believe it is reasonable to expect to be able to access the most appropriate medicine available for their condition when they need it. It’s clear taxpayers want to see more investment in healthcare and medicines and want to see new medicines subsidised faster.”

Additional survey results

– 68% of Australians believe the Government should be investing more to ensure quality affordable healthcare for all Australians. This is considered the second highest national priority, behind reducing cost increases for household bills and other essential expenses (76%).

-Investing more in healthcare ranked ahead of interest rates, rental property affordability, and addressing violence in the community.

-In response to how people are impacted by the rising cost of living, 15% said they have been unable to pay for needed medical expenses.

-In the last six months, Australians were most likely to have experienced difficulty:
getting an appointment when they needed one (36%)
affording the cost of health and medical services (35%)
experiencing long waiting lists for services they needed (32%)

One in four (26%) experienced difficulty affording the cost of medicines, with renters (34%), women (29%) and those aged 18-34 (33%) more likely to have had difficulty.

About the survey
The Mood of the Nation survey by SEC Newgate included 1,611 Australians aged 18+. Quotas are set on gender, age and location to achieve an accurate representation of the nation. Data is weighted to ABS Census population statistics on age, gender, location and occupation. This survey was in the field from 10-14 September 2024.

Media enquiries to Kate McKeown, Senior Manager Communications and Media – kate.mckeown@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0408 775 288.

Collaboration and HTA reform are key to improving vaccination rates in Australia: Parliamentary Friends of Medicine Future of Vaccines event

Collaboration and HTA reform are key to improving vaccination rates in Australia: Parliamentary Friends of Medicine Future of Vaccines event

21 November 2024: Recognising the full value that vaccines deliver to society and ensuring equitable access to affordable vaccines will be crucial to increasing vaccination rates as a preventive measure to fight diseases in Australia, experts have told Parliamentarians this week.

The Parliamentary Friends of Medicine ‘Future of Vaccines’ event, co-Chaired by the Hon. Dr David Gillespie MP and Dr Mike Freelander MP and hosted by Medicines Australia’s Vaccines Industry Group, examined existing and emerging infectious diseases, novel vaccines in development, and the barriers and opportunities to vaccine access and uptake in Australia.

Reflecting on his experience as a paediatrician earlier in his career, Dr Freelander said thousands of children suffered from measles and polio before affordable vaccines were available.

“We have forgotten what it’s like to have widespread infectious disease in the community,” he said.

Dr Andrew Minton, CEO of the Immunisation Coalition discussed changing perceptions and value of vaccines by Australians and declining vaccination rates, with new research showing vaccination rates among children in Australia have declined for the third consecutive year, and protection against influenza and shingles declining in adults.1

“There is misinformation about the effectiveness of vaccines, access issues in regional and remote Australia, cultural consideration, language barriers and post COVID-19 fatigue. We need factual, clear messaging repeatedly to target groups who are high at risk to address these key issues,” Dr Minton said.

Professor Terry Nolan AO FAHMS, a paediatrician and clinical epidemiologist discussed the importance of recognising the full value and benefit of vaccines, particularly as new vaccines become available.

“The so-called post-COVID vaccine hesitancy in Australia is less a result of diminished trust in the vaccines themselves, and more a growing indifference and resistance to their perceived potential benefits both by consumers and healthcare professionals,” Prof Nolan said.

“During the next five years, it is possible that we will see a number of new vaccines that will address conditions we may not have even imagined a few years ago. The HTA Review has highlighted near-term achievable improvement in our processes, with nearly halving of the time required for a funding decision.”

Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said collaboration and getting on with HTA Reform are key to improving vaccination rates in Australia.

“Immunisation is key to primary health. We know that preventing illness and reducing transmission of communicable diseases reduces costs in other areas of the health system.”

“It is important Government, industry and other stakeholders work together to address declining vaccination rates given the significant benefit that vaccines provide society, from improved health and wellbeing to productivity and the overall economy.”

“Prior to COVID, vaccination rates were increasing, so we know the decline in trust is relatively new and can be rebuilt.”
“Delays in making new vaccines available on the NIP are also costing the nation. The HTA Review has made clear recommendations to improve the time it takes for vaccines to be assessed and made available on the National Immunisation Program.”

“The current delay from TGA registration to PBS listing of vaccines is an average time of 1,375 days or nearly four years, which is unacceptable. It’s time to get on with HTA reform.”

Footnote: 1 – Annual Immunisation Coverage Report 2023, National Centre for Immunisation research and Surveillance Australia, https://ncirs.org.au/ongoing-decline-childhood-immunisation-rates-sparks-concerns

Media enquiries to Kate McKeown, Senior Manager Communications and Media – kate.mckeown@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0408 775 288.

Horizon scanning is an important part of the solution to fixing Australia’s HTA

Horizon scanning is an important part of the solution to fixing Australia’s HTA

15 November 2024: A robust horizon scanning process, as recommended by the HTA Review, will help to prepare Australia’s regulatory and reimbursement systems for advances in therapies and medical breakthroughs.

Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said creating an effective horizon scanning process would underpin a flexible and responsive HTA system, provide greater visibility to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) of new treatments coming to the market, and ultimately reduce delays to patient access. 

“Inadequate horizon scanning over the last decade has contributed to the situation Australia is in today, where science and innovation has significantly outpaced our system for reimbursement of the latest innovations and weakened the PBS, to the detriment of patients,” Ms de Somer said.

“We know from the HTA Review there are some 1,300 new cell and gene therapies in development right now that will be available in the next few years – only 7 are currently registered in Australia.”

“From the presentations at our Horizon Scanning Forum held earlier in the year, we know that only 19 novel antimicrobials have been registered for use in the EU and/ or the US since 2011 and of those, only three are registered in Australia.”

“We know there are new vaccines in development, new technologies to prevent infectious diseases, and new AI diagnostics for neurological diseases.”  

“Digital technology is accelerating the pace of research and development, and we are now in an era of unprecedented innovations within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.”

“The PBAC is already struggling with increased numbers of submissions and complexity of medicines being assessed. This is only going to increase. This is a symptom of a broken system that needs urgent reform, and the visibility that horizon scanning provides must be part of the solution.”

The HTA Review identified the need for Australia to establish and resource a horizon scanning function that improves stakeholder engagement in considering the implications of new and emerging health technologies and support healthcare forward planning and priority setting by healthcare payers.

“We need to get on with HTA reform so new therapies entering the market today can be assessed in a timely manner and made available to Australians through the PBS quickly.”  

View the 2024 Horizon Scanning Forum report

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Media enquiries to Kate McKeown, Senior Manager Communications and Media – kate.mckeown@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0408 775 288.

Sector leader departs as Medicines Australia Chair

Sector leader departs as Medicines Australia Chair

31 October 2024: Dr Anna Lavelle AM FTSE has announced her departure as Chair of Medicines Australia, having been Chair since 2018 and an independent Director since 2017. She has been the driver of Medicines Australia’s governance improvements and strategic positioning with the Federal Government throughout that tenure.

“Medicines Australia placed great faith in me as independent Chair and I have worked hard to deliver on their expectations,” Dr Lavelle said.

“Balancing the needs of a competitive industry with the policy goals of government brings many challenges. Medicines Australia has worked hard to place itself in a very strong position to negotiate with all parts of government and key stakeholders, including patient advocates. I am very proud to have contributed to our reputational, strategic and operational achievements.”

Dr Lavelle was well placed to fulfil the role of Medicines Australia Chair as her background spans scientific research, academia, health service provision, policy change and executive management. Her last executive role was as CEO of AusBiotech for 11 years, rounded off a curriculum vitae that cemented her reputation as a strong and visionary advocate.

For her career contributions Dr Lavelle has been recognised by Nature Scientific America, World Vision as the only Australian to be in the top 100 global biotechnology visionaries (2015), was made a Fellow of the Academy of Science Technology and Engineering in 2014 and received the Industry Leader award from Johnson and Johnson and AusBiotech in 2018 and the Women in Leadership award in 2019 from BioMelbourne Network. Dr Lavelle was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women as a trailblazer in 2022. In 2023 Dr Lavelle was appointed to the Order of Australia receiving an AM in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Dr Lavelle said: “It has been both challenging and rewarding to lead Medicines Australia during a period of change and in a complex environment, including during the COVID pandemic when the community learned so much about the value of pharmaceuticals to their health and life. The pharmaceutical sector responded vigorously to that challenge by supplying vaccines that saved lives.”

“It has been an honour to work with Directors, the Medicines Australia Executive in particular the CEO, Liz de Somer and member companies. We hold a united goal to improve the speed and choice of medicines for patients as well as better recognise the value of innovation created by companies.”

Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said Dr Lavelle has made an outstanding contribution to the industry.  

“Dr Lavelle has been a fearless leader throughout her career, combining extensive understanding of Australia’s medicines and biotechnology policies plus a deep understanding of medical research,” Ms de Somer said.

“Her unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes and quality of life is resolute. Medicines Australia was extremely fortunate to have Dr Lavelle as Chair and on behalf of the pharmaceutical industry we congratulate her for her impactful contribution to the sector.”

“On a personal note, Anna has been an incredible support and mentor to me on taking the role of CEO, and I look forward to continuing my friendship with her,” Ms de Somer said.

Dr Lavelle advised the Board of Medicines Australia that she would complete her tenure in Q1 2025 and looks forward to providing assistance for the induction of the incoming Chair in the new year.

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Media enquiries to Kate McKeown, Senior Manager Communications and Media – kate.mckeown@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0408 775 288.

Medicines Australia statement in response to PBAC submission deferrals

Medicines Australia statement in response to PBAC submission deferrals

25 October 2024: Medicines Australia met with senior representatives from the Department of Health and Aged Care yesterday to discuss concerns held by Members following the Government’s decision to defer consideration of a significant number of PBAC Submissions from the March 2025 meeting.

Industry’s concerns include:

-Lack of consultation on the process for prioritisation
-Lack of ability for sponsors to object to the prioritisation or make a case to preference submissions 
-Scepticism about the PBAC’s claim that it can only assess 32 submissions. 
-Implications and flow-on consequences for co-dependent submissions; particularly those that have already been scheduled for MSAC consideration.
-The negative signal this sends to sponsors about Australia as a first launch country. 
-The capacity of evaluation units and how the broader HTA evaluator community is utilised.
-Alternative options to avoid delaying submissions by a full cycle.

Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said the meeting was productive.

“We understand the PBAC determined to accept 32 submissions that are a mix of category1&2 and resubmissions that require a full economic evaluation and propose to defer 24 (major) category 1&2 and 21 (minor) category 3&4 submissions.”

“It is essential industry and Government work collaboratively on this matter, given the significant impact it will have on patient access to critical medicines as well as significant business planning consequences.

“Most importantly, we need to ensure that every possible option is explored to enable the submissions to be evaluated prior to July and not create ongoing delays to access for patients throughout 2025,” said Ms de Somer.

It was agreed the Department will:

-Jointly explore with Medicines Australia all possible solutions to speed up evaluations and PBAC consideration of submissions at the March and July 2025 PBAC meetings.
-Explore an ongoing evaluation process and the use of an intracycle meeting to reduce the number of submissions that need to go to the July meeting.  
-Provide Medicines Australia with the criteria used by the PBAC to make its triaging decisions and the deliberative process undertaken.
-Consistent with past practice, listing will continue to occur during the caretake period, subject to an agreement between the Government Opposition ahead of an election being called.

Medicines Australia and the Department agreed to continue to work to ensure this situation is not repeated and actions that will be taken are:

-A review of evaluators currently on the Department’s panel to ensure there is capacity to deal with peak submission periods. 
-A review the criteria for the appointment of evaluators so that evaluators that do work with industry are not automatically disqualified from being appointed to the Government panel if other conflict of interest strategies can be developed and effectively implemented. 
-A review of the PBAC and sub-committees’ capacity and schedule of meetings to deal with evaluations and assessment of submissions going forward and to enable intracycle meetings to substantively evaluate and assess submissions. 
-Genuine consultation with Medicines Australia prior to members being notified should this situation occur again. 

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Media enquiries to Kate McKeown, Senior Manager Communications and Media – kate.mckeown@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0408 775 288.

Vaccines are one of the best public health investments the Government can make

Vaccines are one of the best public health investments the Government can make

A new report launched today by GSK Australia, Prevention: A Productivity Superpower, is a timely and important reminder of the role of vaccines in preventing diseases in Australia and their contribution to the nation’s productivity and economy. This cost-effectiveness analysis of addressing gaps in adult vaccinations and thereby preventing diseases like shingles, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, pertussis and diphtheria shows a $1.1 billion benefit to the Australian economy.

Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said today “This new report by GSK Australia, Prevention: A Productivity Superpower, demonstrates that for every dollar the Government invests in vaccinating adults in Australia, there is a $3.50 economic return. Vaccines are truly one of the best public health investments governments can make.

“Vaccines improve life expectancy and quality of life. The effective use of vaccines reduces demand on Australia’s health system including general practice, hospitals, other government services, while at the same time they boost productivity and economic participation. Australia does so well at vaccinating our children, we now need to extend this commitment to adults,” Ms de Somer said.

This report is an incredibly important demonstration of the potential impact of an adult vaccination program in Australia. It is also timely as it is being released as the Government considers the recommendations of the HTA Review released on 10 September 2024 by the Hon. Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care.

The HTA Review, Accelerating Access to the Best Medicines for Australians Now and into the Future, recommends reforms to reduce the time Australians wait for access to new vaccines.

“The central tenet of the HTA Review is to improve timely access to affordable medicines and vaccines to meet the needs of all Australians. The Review found that the additional steps involved with the National Immunisation Program (NIP) assessment of vaccines means it takes longer for Australians to access new vaccines than for Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme medicines. This is clearly not in Australia’s health and economic interest,” said Ms de Somer.

“Medicines Australia supports the HTA Review recommendations to restructure the NIP listing process, and for proportionate reviews of vaccines based on complexity and the risks and benefits of the vaccine. We also support the recommendation to reduce the discount rate to 3.5% for health technologies with high upfront costs and long-term benefits to better capture the value of vaccines and argue it should be lowered further.

“Medicines Australia welcomes the Government’s commitment to pushing on with reforms through an independent Implementation Group and are looking forward to the establishment of this Group as soon as possible.

“We cannot lose reform momentum, patients are waiting,” said Ms de Somer.

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Media enquiries to Gail Morgan, Head of Strategic Engagement and Communications – gail.morgan@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0412 926 348.

Position statement on associations between tobacco companies and pharmaceutical entities engaged in healthcare

Position statement on associations between tobacco companies and pharmaceutical entities engaged in healthcare

25 September 2024: Medicines Australia notes the extensive work undertaken by the Commonwealth Government, Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler MP, and others in the control and regulation of unregulated, non-approved vaping products.

In respect of the public discourse on this health issue Medicines Australia has the following position:

  1. 1. Medicines Australia recognises the negative role that tobacco/vaping play in respiratory health, and that it is fully demonstrated by the available evidence. 

  2. 2. Medicines Australia opposes tobacco companies assuming control of companies that provide technologies to treat respiratory and other health conditions.  

  3. 3. Medicines Australia opposes associations between healthcare companies and organisations that act in a way to undermine the health of populations and individuals. 

  4. 4. Medicines Australia is committed to compliance with the Australian Competition and Consumer Act (2010).  It also acknowledges the freedom and independence of research-based pharmaceutical companies to make their own commercial decisions, in the best interests of their organisations and customers, and act in a manner which complies with competition laws.

  5. 5. Medicines Australia will continue promote health as the primary consideration in all our activities and those of our members, and the introduction of appropriate health policies to ensure Australians have access to the best medicines and the best health outcomes as soon as they are available.

HTA Review delivers promise of faster patient access to the best medicines

HTA Review delivers promise of faster patient access to the best medicines

10 September 2024: The Review of Australia’s health technology assessment policies and methods opens the door to improved access to new medicines and vaccines for Australians through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The Review, released today by the Albanese Government, outlines 50 recommendations for reforms needed to improve systems and pathways to accelerate patient access.

The Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, also confirmed an independent implementation group will be appointed to drive forward the reforms.

Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer was industry’s representative on the HTA Review Reference Committee and said the recommendations will make a significant difference to Australians once implemented as a complete package. 

“The recommendations reflect what has been the most comprehensive review of Australia’s HTA in more than 30 years. The input from stakeholders has been tremendous and provided a clear picture of where improvement is needed,” Ms de Somer said. 

The Review found there is urgent need for system reform, with patients experiencing profound negative consequences caused by delays in access to new treatments.

“Without these changes Australians will continue to miss out on the best medicines available now and the revolutionary treatments that are on the horizon. System-wide reform will deliver a Stronger PBS for all Australians,” Ms de Somer said.

There is strong recognition throughout the report that system-wide reform is needed to address inequities in patient access, improve timely access to medicines, encourage companies to bring innovative medicines to Australia, and improve engagement with patients to value what matters to them.

The recommendations also recognise investment is needed to boost HTA capability to create sustainability and equip the system to evaluate emerging technologies into the future.

Industry will continue to work with the Government to develop effective key performance indicators and comparator selection, and to finding a solution to discount rate.

“Medicines Australia welcomes the Government’s commitment to pushing on with reforms through an implementation group,” Ms de Somer said.

“Industry stands ready to constructively participate in the implementation group alongside patients, patient advocacy groups, clinicians and the Government. We need an implementation plan and timelines, and we need to begin the co-design work that is needed to deliver these reforms.”

“We cannot lose reform momentum, patients are waiting.”

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Media enquiries to Kate McKeown, Senior Manager Communications and Media – kate.mckeown@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0408 775 288.

Reporting of medicines shortages in Australia  

Reporting of medicines shortages in Australia 

19 June 2024: Medicines Australia has noted an increase in media reports of medicines shortages in the community over the last 12 months. 

A medicine is listed on the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) shortages reports database when supply is not likely to meet the normal or projected consumer demand within Australia at any point in the next six months. Mandatory reporting of supply information came into effect in January 2019. 

“Medicines Australia encourages caution in the interpretation and reporting of supply information that may inadvertently prompt panic buying or stockpiling and further intensify supply pressures,” Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said.   

“The TGA database includes actual and potential shortages, as well as shortages of a particular brand where alternatives may continue to be available.”

“This information can be misunderstood and sometimes projected shortages don’t eventuate, which is why it’s important this information is considered carefully.”  

“Manufacturers make every effort to ensure supplies are maintained. Where potential shortages are identified, there is collaboration with the TGA, healthcare professionals and prescribers to manage supplies for essential need.” 

Shortages may be anticipated for a number of reasons including unexpected increases in demand, natural disasters, ingredient shortages, or disruptions to manufacturing and distribution channels. The global pharmaceutical supply chain is complex and any of these factors can create pressure.  

“Transparency is a very important principle for the industry, prescribers and others in the supply chain. However, it is equally important this information does not cause unnecessary concerns about medicines availability for patients,” Ms de Somer said.  

If consumers are concerned about the availability of a particular medicine, the best thing to do is talk to your prescribing doctor. 

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Media enquiries to Kate McKeown, Senior Manager Communications and Media – kate.mckeown@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0408 775 288.

Medicines Australia Board Director Prof John Skerritt recognised in King’s Honours list

Medicines Australia Board Director Prof John Skerritt recognised in King’s Honours list

11 June 2024: Medicines Australia congratulates independent Board Director, Prof John Skerritt, on his appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours list.

Prof Skerritt was recognised for ‘significant service to public health administration and governance, and to scientific research’ which includes joint roles as head of the TGA and Deputy Secretary from 2012 to 2023.

In addition, Prof Skerritt was a member of the Australia-NZ Clinical Trial Registry Advisory Board from 2012-2021. He is a Professor of Medicine at Melbourne University, and an Adjunct Professor at Sydney University, and joined the Board of Medicines Australia as an independent Director in 2023.

Medicines Australia Chair, Dr Anna Lavelle, commended Prof Skerritt on his achievements and said all Australians have benefited from his contribution to the therapeutic regulatory environment, clinical trials system and broader health system.

“Professor Skerritt has made a significant contribution to Australia’s healthcare system over the last 15 years, through his leadership and deep understanding of regulation and government processes. This has come at a pivotal time when innovation in medical technologies has advanced at a faster pace than ever before, requiring a cautious but willing approach to embrace change.”

“Medicines Australia is very fortunate to be able to draw on John’s expertise as an independent Board Director and we warmly congratulate him on this tremendous recognition of his service.”

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Media enquiries to Kate McKeown, Senior Manager Communications and Media – kate.mckeown@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0408 775 288.