Category: Media release

Just released National Medicines Policy sets high ambitions for better health outcomes for all Australians

20 December 2022: Medicines Australia congratulates the Government on the release of the much-anticipated National Medicines Policy (NMP), after a comprehensive review process with stakeholders.

CEO of Medicines Australia, Elizabeth de Somer, said the refreshed NMP affects every Australian and sets the ambitions for our healthcare system to provide fair, timely, reliable and affordable access to high-quality medicines, vaccines and treatments.

“The release of the new NMP signals the end of a comprehensive consultation process and the beginning of a collaborative partnership to deliver on those ambitions for all Australians,” Ms de Somer said.

“The NMP incorporates a bold vision statement ‘To achieve the world’s best health, social and economic outcomes for all Australians through a highly supportive medicines policy environment.’

“Importantly, the new NMP includes modernised language that emphasises the need for good public medicines policy to ensure that the patients and the people it serves are central to the ambition.

“This is the first time the NMP has been updated in over 20 years and we now have a chance to establish this document as foundational for all Australians, and to prepare Australia’s health systems for the next health crisis.

“The pandemic has shown us that collaborative efforts across the health ecosystem can deliver wide, positive health outcomes. All Australians should have timely and equitable access to high-quality, safe, and effective medicines and health services, regardless of their background, age, or any other factor.

“It is encouraging to see a focus on fairness and access, especially to support improving the longstanding health disparities experienced in the community, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“Medicines Australia also supports the inclusion of some explanation on governance and responsibilities, but we would hope to see further clarification on these areas to provide proper monitoring and evaluation measures.

“The addition of a regular, five-year review and update of the NMP is also a significant commitment from Government and we look forward to ongoing consultation to ensure the NMP keeps pace with rapidly evolving medicines and new technologies so that Australia does not get left behind.

“The release of the NMP will support the further reforms to health policy including the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review in 2023 to speed up access to innovative medicines and technologies for Australian patients.

“We look forward to supporting the implementation of the NMP to ensure Australians and the next generations have equitable, fast and affordable access to innovative medicines, vaccines and therapies that will save lives and change lives,” Ms de Somer said.

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For further information or media interviews, please contact:
Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au

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ABOUT THE NATIONAL MEDICINES POLICY REVIEW

Published in 2000, Australia’s National Medicines Policy (NMP) is a framework that aims to deliver positive health outcomes for all Australians through their access to, and appropriate use of, medicines.

The NMP guides the range of activities encompassing medication management, access, and affordability of medicines in Australia through a partnership approach between all sectors.

The Review of the NMP (the Review) was commissioned by the then-Minister for Health, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, originally in 2019 in recognition of the substantial changes to the health landscape since the policy was implemented.

The Review has been led by an Expert Advisory Committee established by the Minister. The Committee is chaired by Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AM. Its members include Professor Lloyd Sansom AO; Mrs Janette Donovan; Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin and Mr David Herd.

The Committee undertook a 12-week period of public consultation that commenced on 30 August 2021 and concluded on 17 November 2021. The Committee also held a virtual stakeholder webinar forum in December 2021 to present the key themes from the consultation process.

The then-Minister for Health deferred the NMP Review in March 2022 until after the May Federal Election following calls from a wide range of stakeholders who asked for more consultation and consideration time.

The new Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Mark Butler MP, restarted the Review in August 2022, re-convened under the Review Chair, Professor Michael Kidd AM. This was followed by another consultation period and the new draft released was much more considerate of views from stakeholders.

Further information about the consultation, including the Discussion Paper, you can view it here: https://consultations.health.gov.au/pbs-subsidy-taskforce/national-medicines-policy-revised-consultation/.

New Translational Science Hub in Queensland to boost Australia’s biomedical capacity and capability and deliver faster access to mRNA innovations

5 December 2022: Medicines Australia welcomes the new mRNA vaccine hub – the ‘Translational Science Hub’ – to be established in Queensland in an announcement by Sanofi and the Palaszczuk Government today.

Elizabeth de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia, said the new Hub, once functional, will bring long-term health and economic benefits to Australia.

“The new Translational Science Hub is a $280 million partnership between Sanofi, the Queensland Government, the University of Queensland, and Griffith University.

“Collaboration is key to successful biomedical innovation and a lesson the world has taken from the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“Bringing together the brightest minds from science, health and medicine to create centres of excellence for innovative technologies, here in Australia, will further boost Australia’s contribution to benefit patients and the broader economy.

“Australia has extraordinary talents and potential when it comes to our research and development capabilities. Manufacturing biotherapeutics domestically critically widens our workforce and talent pipelines to the vital areas of medicine and health.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates not only the importance of investing in our domestic capabilities but the importance of investing in medicines and science.

“Congratulations to Sanofi and all the partners for taking bold strides towards a pioneering, international scientific community that focuses on mRNA technology and translational science,” Ms de Somer said.

The Translational Science Hub will be established under an agreement between Sanofi, the University of Queensland, Griffith University and the Queensland Government. For more information, read the Queensland Government announcement and the Sanofi announcement.

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For further information or media interviews, please contact:
Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au

Medicines industry calls for discount rate reduction now

18 November 2022: Medicines Australia welcomes the recommendation to lower the discount rate for medicines and vaccines but questions why it should be delayed for two years.

Today, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) – the expert committee that evaluates the value of medicines in Australia – published advice recommending Australia’s discount rate could be lowered between 3.5% – 4% to bring the country closer to other recommended international standards.

CEO of Medicines Australia, Elizabeth de Somer, says medicines and vaccines that have long-term health benefits, such as childhood vaccines, are disadvantaged and delayed by a technical discount rate that is higher in Australia than other comparable countries.

“We see today’s announcement as acknowledgment by the PBAC that the discount rate should be changed,” Ms de Somer said.

“This inevitable change should not be caught up in the HTA Review as it cannot wait two years.

“The review of the discount rate was a ‘fast start’ commitment contained in our Strategic Agreement with the Commonwealth. We will continue to work with the Minister and his office to get this done as soon as possible.

“Our country is unnecessarily lagging behind which ultimately causes delays to patients accessing innovative medicines and vaccines.

“Australia has not changed its discount rate for more than 30 years and in that time, Canada, France, England, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and New Zealand have all reduced their discount rates.

“Failing to bring Australia’s discount rate into line with international best practice devalues the longer-term health of some of our youngest Australians and is a misalignment with the Government’s preventative health priorities.

“In Australia, the 5% discount rate has contributed to delays in accessing vital therapies, including vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV) in adolescents, meningococcal disease in children and adolescents as well as medicines to treat hepatitis C, and treatments for spinal muscular atrophy in children,” Ms de Somer said.

In 1990, the PBAC recommended Australia’s discount rate be set at 5% and it has not been changed since. Medicines Australia has urged the Government to reduce the discount rate to 1.5%, which aligns with international best practices.

Medicines Australia continues to urge the Government to apply a reduced discount rate as soon as possible. The change could come into effect with a simple adjustment to the PBAC Guidelines and be implemented in a matter of weeks.

For more information about the discount rate, read our fact sheet. Watch a short video that explains Australia’s discount rate.

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For further information or media interviews, please contact:
Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au

New Horizons event, to explore the exciting medicines of tomorrow

14 November 2022: An inaugural event in Canberra next month will explore the future of medicines, biotherapeutics and treatments.  ‘Medicines of Tomorrow: The First Horizon Scanning Forum’, will be hosted by Medicines Australia, the research-driven pharmaceutical industry body.

For the first time, experts in medicines development, health policy, federal, state and territory government and patient advocacy will come together to view disruptive medical innovations in the international innovation pipeline – and consider how Australia’s health system needs to evolve to prepare for them.

The Medical Futurist, Dr Bertalan Meskó, will deliver the keynote address virtually and says there must be a cultural transformation to prepare for the latest health innovations.

“COVID-19 shattered our lives, and our preconceived ideas of what healthcare looks like. There are infinite possibilities with technologies such as digital health and A.I. – and we are only scratching the surface,” Dr Meskó said.

“I am honoured to be addressing the first ‘Medicines of Tomorrow’ in Australia on 6 December.

“We are all patients at some point in our lives. There must be a cultural movement that brings our health systems into the 21^st century – and the world is watching,” Dr Meskó said.

CEO of Medicines Australia, Elizabeth de Somer, said ‘Medicines of Tomorrow’ will showcase innovative medicines and technologies on the horizon in the short to medium term, but long-term vision is also needed to prepare us for the future.

“‘Medicines of Tomorrow’ is the first-time health experts, clinicians, federal and state governments, the medicines industry, and patient groups have come together on a national stage.

“The medicines industry has made leaps and bounds in rapidly discovering and developing disruptive medicines, vaccines and therapies. Australia must prepare now to ensure patients have rapid access to these technologies.

“Attendees can expect to hear about innovations just around the corner that could dramatically change the outcomes of deadly, debilitating and chronic diseases.

“Regular horizon scanning is a key part of the Strategic Agreement between Medicines Australia and the Commonwealth Government. The ‘Medicines of Tomorrow’ event will open the dialogue towards a nationally coordinated, future-focused, adaptable system that benefits all Australian patients,” Ms de Somer said.

Dr Andrew Rochford will be MC for ‘Medicines of Tomorrow: The First Horizon Scanning Forum’ and the agenda can be found here. In-person attendance is limited but virtual attendance is open for registration.

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For further information or media interviews, please contact:
Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au

Summit brings together medicines industry, academia and patient groups ahead of health reform

11 November 2022: Yesterday the HTA Summit brought together industry, academia and patient representatives to share ideas and discuss solutions after the Government announced the start of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review.

CEO of Medicines Australia, Elizabeth de Somer, said the HTA Summit – organised by ISPOR and HTAnalysts – opened the dialogue on challenges in Australia’s health system.

“Our current system is too slow for today’s medicines, and too slow for today’s patients,” said Ms de Somer.

“The upcoming HTA Review is a chance to alter Australia’s approach and speed up the time it takes for a medicine to be listed on the PBS and made available to patients.

“The HTA Summit successfully made space for diverse and frank conversations with  HTA experts about the causes of delay and the importance of patient experiences.

“Partnership in the HTA Review will be critical to its success.

“This was an important step in engaging with a wide range of stakeholders about the upcoming HTA Review.

“As we have seen during COVID-19, collaboration leads to better outcomes and we must harness that collaboration at every opportunity to improve our systems now and for future generations,” Ms de Somer said.

The HTA Summit agenda can be found here and was organised by HTAnalysts in collaboration with ISPOR Australia Chapter. Funding for the event was provided by the Oncology Industry Taskforce.

Medicines Australia provided HTA Review discussion papers ahead of the HTA Summit, which outline conversation starters on key topics from the medicine industry perspective.

Key themes and outputs from the HTA Summit will inform a future white paper.

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For further information or media interviews, please contact:
Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au
Margaret Cresswell – 0410 456 293 / margaret.cresswell@medicinesaustralia.com.au

Independent Chair of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review will drive major reform of Australia’s health system

27 October 2022: Medicines Australia welcomes the appointment of Adjunct Professor Debora Picone AO as independent Chair of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review Reference Committee, announced today by the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Mark Butler MP and the extension of the HTA Review deadline until 31 December 2023.

Chair of Medicines Australia, Dr Anna Lavelle, said Adjunct Professor Picone AO will lead major reforms that will speed up access to innovative medicines for all Australians.

“The HTA Review will ensure Australia’s health system keeps pace with advancements in medical technologies and deliver faster access to new medicines for patients,” Dr Lavelle said.

“Reform of Australia’s HTA system is well overdue. We must reduce the time it takes for Australian patients to access innovative medicines, treatments and health technologies.

“Our health system must be modernised with a clear focus on patient needs and listening to patient perspectives.

“Adjunct Professor Picone AO and the HTA Review Reference Committee will be taking part in the first major review and reform of the HTA system in 30 years. It is a pivotal opportunity to improve this crucial process in accessing innovative medicines.

“The Board of Medicines Australia thanks Minister Butler for his consultative approach to the appointment of the Chair which signals the Government’s desire to work collaboratively with stakeholders on reforming HTA,” Dr Lavelle said.

CEO of Medicines Australia, Elizabeth de Somer, said the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of rapid access to innovative medicines, vaccines and therapies.

“The much-anticipated reform of our HTA system can bring about change so all Australians have fast access not just to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, but all innovative medicines,” Ms de Somer said.

“Adjunct Professor Picone’s experience as CEO of the Australian Commission in Safety and Quality of Healthcare and other health-related committees demonstrates her appetite for change and ability to work with stakeholders to seize opportunities that will improve health outcomes of all Australians.

“The Chair has the important role of maintaining autonomy while working in partnership with Government, clinicians, industry and patients to improve Australia’s health system and meet future patient needs. Debora Picone is well known as an independent thinker, with a strong pragmatic and patient centred approach, which will be critical in driving true reform.

“Fast access to innovative medicines is fundamental to a healthy and productive population. The outcomes from the HTA Review must place patients and the community at the centre of Australia’s reimbursement system, so  the real benefits of new medicines, treatments and vaccines are understood and valued,” Ms de Somer said.

The other Committee members are Mr John Young (Medicines Australia); Professor Andrew Roberts AM (Clinical/Scientific Expert); Professor Andrew Wilson (Chair of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee); Dr Dawn Casey PSM (National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation – NACCHO); Ms Ann Single (Patient Voice Initiative); and Ms Adriana Platona PSM (Government Representative).

Medicines Australia has collaborated with members and stakeholders to develop a draft set of recommended terms of reference for the HTA Review Reference Committee to consider in their development of the scope of the Review.

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For further information or media interviews, please contact:
Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au
Margaret Cresswell – 0410 456 293 / margaret.cresswell@medicinesaustralia.com.au

BACKGROUND

Australian pharmaceutical industry representative group launches report on future of workplace inclusion

13 October 2022: Today, Medicines Australia Special Interest Group, Pharma Australia Inclusion Group (PAIG), launched their latest White Paper, The Future of Workplace Inclusion.

In collaboration with PAIG’s 25 pharmaceutical company member organisations, the White Paper was developed through a consultative process including one-on-one discussions with leaders, an anonymous virtual focus group with members’ employees and desktop review of a selection of primary and secondary research from within and outside of the pharmaceutical industry.

This consultative process resulted in the identification of five key themes for recommendations that encompass the future of workplace inclusion:

1. Connecting purpose to practice
2. Amplifying the impact of inclusive leadership
3. Attracting, developing, and retaining diverse capabilities
4. Applying an intersectional lens to segmented efforts
5. Embracing new ways of working.

This report calls for the pharmaceutical industry to be courageous and challenge the status quo, said PAIG co-chair, Fiona Sheppard, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lead, ANZ, Johnson & Johnson.

“We must be at the cutting edge of diversity, equity, and inclusion for the benefit of the Australian innovative medicines industry. It shows how together we can build a robust, modern, and attractive industry in which everyone can thrive”, said Fiona.

The White Paper also highlights the impact COVID-19 has had, resulting in a rapid growth in the digital economy which has fundamentally changed the workplace, commented PAIG co-chair, Lee Davelaar, Senior Manager, Policy and Public Affairs, Pfizer Australia.

“We now have greater flexibility and trust to perform our work where and when we can. For organisations and individuals this has presented new opportunities, but also challenges that this White Paper and the next iteration of the PAIG program will explore”, said Lee.

“PAIG will examine how we evolve company’s diversity and inclusion offering to ensure it is integrated with this digital evolution of the workplace, looking beyond our industry to understand best diversity, equity and inclusion practices and, where applicable, embrace or adapt these practices for the benefit of our sector.”

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said this report delivers recommendations that can not only benefit individual companies but can embed principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the ecosystems in which we operate.

“On behalf of Medicines Australia and PAIG’s member organisations, we are proud to launch The Future of Workplace Inclusion. What makes the medicines industry a great place to work is that we embrace learning and new thinking. We are not afraid to make courageous decisions and we are committed to continuously improving,” said Elizabeth.

An event to mark the launch of the White Paper was held in Sydney today, attended by diversity and inclusion leaders from across the pharmaceutical industry. The event showcased the White Paper’s collaborative development process and the impact its recommendations will have on the future of workplace inclusivity in the Australian medicines industry.

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About PAIG

The Pharma Australia Inclusion Group (PAIG) is a special interest group of Medicines Australia. It was established in 2017 to build a more inclusive industry where all people are equally valued, rewarded and thrive. Originally named PAGE (Pharma Australia Gender Equity), the group evolved in 2020 to reflect a broader focus on diversity and inclusion. Inclusion is the foundation of equity and impacts all aspects of an organisation. Inclusive workplaces are key to strengthening talent attraction and retention and creating conditions that bring out the best in all people. PAIG is committed to establishing the pharmaceutical industry as a known leader in inclusion.

PAIG member organisations (listed in alphabetical order)

• AbbVie
• Amgen
• Astellas
• AstraZeneca
• Bayer
• BeiGene
• Biogen
• BMS
• Boehringer Ingelheim
• Eli Lilly Australia
• Gilead
• GSK
• Healthcare Logistics/EBOS
• Ipsen
• Janssen (Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies)
• Merck
• MSD
• Novo Nordisk
• Organon
• Pfizer
• Roche
• Sanofi
• Takeda
• UCB
• Vifor