Media release – Medicines Australia

Medicines Australia welcomes first steps on HTA reform

03 September 2025: Medicines Australia welcomes first steps on HTA reform

Medicines Australia welcomes the Hon. Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Disability and the NDIS, announcing at PharmAus 2025, immediate steps on critical recommendations of the HTA Review Interim report, released 12 months ago.

“For patients, patient advocacy groups and clinicians, it is essential we urgently get on with HTA reform and make the PBS faster, fairer and fit for the future. The actions announced by the Minister today are a start as we progress a reform package for 2026-27 Federal Budget consideration,” said Liz de Somer, CEO Medicines Australia.

“We look forward to working with the Government on updating the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) Guidelines to revise the application of lowest cost comparator. We see this as an essential measure, so the Minister doesn’t have to intervene in an ad hoc manner like he did for Australian women to access newer contraceptives.

“Implementing changes to lower the discount rate for preventative vaccines is also a priority in the guidelines that will enable the latest vaccines to be made available to Australians through the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

“We are pleased the Government will also quickly commence trialling new ways to streamline assessment of medicines.

“Improving equity is a priority for all stakeholders, and Medicines Australia welcomes the announcement today of a biannual meeting to consider issues related to medicines for First Nations people,” said Liz de Somer.

Additional areas highlighted by the Minister include rapid research into areas of high unmet clinical need and a HTA stakeholder engagement framework, with a particular focus on improving consumer and patient engagement.

“For the patient community, their families and healthcare professionals, there is no time to wait. We must get on with action now. The average wait for a medicine to be listed on the PBS is 466 days – this is too long.

“We started this process two years ago and we must now get work underway and generate momentum. We must now work quickly towards actions and implementation,” added Ms de Somer.

We acknowledge and thank Professor Andrew Wilson, Chair of HTA Review Implementation Advisory Group (IAG) for his support in securing this important progress.

IAG Chair Professor Andrew Wilson’s Interim Report cover letter to the Minister for Health and Ageing: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/iag-chair-professor-andrew-wilsons-interim-report-cover-letter-to-the-minister-for-health-and-ageing?language=en

Media enquiries to: Anne-Marie Sparrow, Medicines Australia /Cube – media@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0417 421 560 Tash Silkin, Medicines Australia/Cube – 0494 408 965

About Medicines Australia and PharmAus2025

Over 300 representatives – from patient groups, parliamentarians, health peak bodies, academia and the industry – gathered today in Canberra for PharmAus2025.

Medicines Australia leads the research-based pharmaceutical industry of Australia. Our members discover, develop and manufacture the medicines that are the foundation of a healthy and prosperous society, including prescription pharmaceutical products, biotherapeutic products and vaccines. Our members invest in Australian medical research and take local discoveries and developments to the world.

United for innovation: AusBiotech and Medicines Australia

31 July 2025: United for innovation: AusBiotech and Medicines Australia celebrate Catalyst outcomes, further strengthen industry collaboration

AusBiotech and Medicines Australia have marked the two-year conclusion of the joint venture Cell & Gene Catalyst by celebrating its outcomes and committing to greater industry collaboration to unify the industry’s efforts and voice.

The Catalyst was established as a two-year joint venture between AusBiotech and Medicines Australia to activate Australia’s cell and gene industry by connecting key stakeholders.

With the support of Catalyst’s partners, and under the leadership of its Director, Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea AM, the joint venture has successfully forged new pathways for national alignment, deepened sector understanding, and strengthened a unified voice on a range of topics from the healthcare workforce to precinct development, capability and capacity-building, market access, clinical trials and strategic investment to accelerate the cell and gene industry.

Rebekah Cassidy, CEO AusBiotech: “Our organisations are proud of the deep connections the Catalyst has built and the strong foundationit has laid for long-term cell & gene industry growth in Australia. Given the maturing of Australia’s cell and gene industry over recent years – evidenced by new entrants, new industry-led partnerships, and new collaborative programs like the SMART CRC – AusBiotech and Medicines Australia believe the time is right to move toward even greater industry unification to move critical discussions forward.”

Liz De Somer, CEO Medicines Australia: “Both peak bodies recognise the need for the sector to continue important discussions on key topics including access, workforce and manufacturing. Medicines Australia and AusBiotech will continue to champion and invest in new collaborative structures that further unite the voice of the sector.”

Following the planned conclusion of the Catalyst in September 2025, AusBiotech and Medicines Australia will work with their members to develop a new program of engagements and partnerships, designed to further connect and unify the work of the industry.

To enable this change both organisations will:

1. Establish a joint AusBiotech and Medicines Australia Advanced Therapies Advisory Group focused on policy development and advocacy to address current and emerging opportunities and issues facing the advanced therapies community.

The Group will include member representation from both peak bodies and importantly, a representative of the SMART CRC, to progress and support strategic projects that foster continued growth of the industry.

AusBiotech and Medicines Australia will issue an EOI to register interest in this group soon.

2. Strengthen our sector collaboration through an ongoing strategic partnership agreement between AusBiotech and the SMART CRC.

3. Continue to collaborate on a range of whole-of-sector topics including those related to access, workforce and manufacturing through each organisation’s current and evolving working and advisory groups.

Professor Simon Cool, Chief Executive Officer SMART CRC: “The SMART CRC is excited to further strengthen its partnership with AusBiotech and Medicines Australia to help unify and advance Australia’s regenerative therapies sector. Together, we will support the newly formed Advanced Therapies Advisory Group, amplifying the voices of key stakeholders, including state governments, biotech and regenerative therapy companies, healthcare providers, universities, and research institutes.

“By working collaboratively with AusBiotech and Medicines Australia, the SMART CRC aims to grow Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capabilities, expand the skilled workforce, anchor cutting-edge technologies onshore, and accelerate the delivery of breakthrough medical treatments that can transform lives”.

Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea AM, Catalyst Director: “The Catalyst has played a pivotal role in the evolution of Australia’s advanced therapies sector, with significant growth and activation, propelling the ecosystem toward a more collaborative and mature industry. It’s been an honour to drive positive change for advanced therapies with expert leaders within the sector and I am grateful for the goodwill and collaboration demonstrated during this time.

“This progress bolsters the cell and gene industry and gives hope to Australia’s peoples”.

-ENDS

Media inquiries:
Emma Boscheinen, AusBiotech / Tel. +61 437 075 209 / eboscheinen@ausbiotech.org
Anne-Marie Sparrow, Medicines Australia / Tel. +61 417 421 560 / anne-marie@cube.com.au

Radiopharmaceuticals An Important Focus for Medicines Australia

Radiopharmaceuticals An Important Focus for Medicines Australia

13 June 2025: Medicines Australia is building an increased focus on the policy environment to support the provision of safe and effective patient access to advanced radiopharmaceuticals with the creation of an expert interest group drawn from across its membership. The organisation is currently calling for expressions of interest among member companies to become part of this priority group which will formally come together in July.

The development and availability of advanced radiopharmaceuticals is an evolving and exciting area in the treatment of cancers – notably where a specific biomarker is present. The cancer types where innovative radiopharmaceuticals can offer an important and effective treatment option include prostate cancer, neuroendocrine cancers and lymphoma. There are currently very few innovative radiopharmaceuticals approved by the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA).

“As this area gains momentum, Medicines Australia believes the application of a clear regulatory framework, coupled with appropriate Health Technology Assessment (HTA) practices, is essential, and must apply the same rigour and assessment of high-quality clinical evidence to safeguard patients that is required for other pharmaceuticals,” said Sue MacLeman, Chair, Medicines Australia.

The requirements Medicines Australia will assert for include evaluation by the Therapeutics Goods Administration for quality, safety and efficacy and a transparent, evidence-based assessment of cost-effectiveness to support reimbursement on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

“This Medicines Australia working group will look at the parameters required to provide access to these advances that meet strict regulatory requirements and ensures safety and quality remains our top priority for the patient community,” Ms MacLeman said.

“It is critical we explore how to get these cancer treatments to patients whilst meeting high regulatory standards. While historically unapproved medicine pathways have been applied, this is no longer necessary or appropriate. We look forward to a collaborative and productive interaction with Government to form a considered and efficient path forward,” she added.

For further information the Medicines Australia Position Paper on Radioligand therapies – is available here (PDF).

Media enquiries to: Anne-Marie Sparrow, Medicines Australia /Cube – media@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0417 421 560

About Medicines Australia

Medicines Australia congratulates Health Minister and ministerial team

Medicines Australia congratulates Health Minister and ministerial team

12 May 2025: Medicines Australia congratulates the Hon. Mark Butler MP on his reappointment as the Minister for Health and Ageing and for adding the portfolios of Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme to his remit. Minister Butler MP can now fix what he acknowledges as a “clunky” Health Technology Assessment (HTA) system and strengthen the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for future generations.

CEO of Medicines Australia Elizabeth de Somer welcomed the reappointment of Minister Butler, noting his deep understanding of the complexities of the health portfolio including the PBS and the medicines industry.

In welcoming the appointment, Ms de Somer emphasised Minister Butler’s public commitment, in this term of Government, to deliver faster access to medicines, vaccines, and treatments by modernising our PBS. “Minister Butler’s constructive leadership over the past term has laid important groundwork for bold and forward-looking reforms that will set the course for world’s best health care for future generations.”

“Reform of the PBS must be the priority. Science and medicines have evolved significantly in the 30 years where no meaningful reform has occurred. The system is no longer fit for purpose and patients are waiting too long – on average 466 days when elsewhere in the world the wait may be as low as 60 days.”

“It is now more than two and a half years since the HTA review commenced and more than six months since its recommendations landed. Delays in accessing new medicines through the PBS are profoundly impacting patient lives.”

“Australians have waited long enough – the time for action is now and we look forward to working with Minister Butler to deliver all the commitments made under the existing Strategic Agreement and commence active implementation of the HTA Review.”

Medicines Australia welcomed the continuity in the Government’s senior economic team and congratulated other Ministers in the broader health and life sciences portfolios: Rebecca White, Assistant Minister for Health, Indigenous Health and Women; Tim Ayres, the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science; Andrew Charlton, Assistant Minister for Science and Technology; and Dan Repacholi, Special Envoy for Men’s Health. Medicines Australia will seek meetings with these Ministers at the earliest opportunity to discuss the way forward to improve the health of all Australians.

“Medicines save lives and improve lives. Investment in the health of all Australians means better outcomes for our society, our economy, and our overall health and wellbeing. We look forward to working with the Government’s health, life sciences, industry and economic teams to ensure 2025 is a year of HTA implementation action so Australian patients can access life changing new medicines when they need them,” Ms de Somer said.

Media enquiries to: Anne-Marie Sparrow, Medicines Australia /Cube – media@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0417 421 560

About Medicines Australia

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.