A Stronger PBS is needed for Australians to access future medicines showcased at Australia’s only horizon scanning forum.
22 March 2024: The innovative pharmaceutical industry has showcased new technologies and major global therapeutic advances set to enter the healthcare system in the coming years at the Medicines of Tomorrow: horizon scanning forum.
Hosted by Medicines Australia, Medicines of Tomorrow is Australia’s only horizon scanning forum that brings together government, patient groups and industry to showcase new technologies and major global therapeutic advances that stand to deliver a step change in treatment regimens and require planning for system readiness.
This year’s forum brings together experts across four therapeutic areas where innovative new classes of medicines and treatments are on the horizon for Australians: cell and gene therapies, vaccine technology, novel antimicrobial therapies to combat growing antimicrobial resistance and digital technologies such as artificial intelligence that are impacting medicine discovery, research and development processes.
Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said the innovations showcased at Medicines of Tomorrow demonstrate the urgent need for system reform and investment into the PBS so that Australian patients can access the best treatments possible, when they come to Australia.
“Today we have seen the incredible advances in medical innovation and technology led by our innovative pharmaceutical industry, and possibilities in treatment options that exist for patients today,” Ms de Somer said.
“Cell and gene therapies can drastically change the long term outcomes for conditions that are currently considered life-limiting. This is the future of healthcare, but our system to make these therapies available at an affordable cost to patients, is not prepared.”
“Australians are missing out on world-class treatments that can drastically improve quality of life because past governments failed to adequately prepare for these treatments entering the market.”
“It is unacceptable that Australia’s out-dated systems are preventing people from accessing life-saving medicines and vaccines. Patients want change, doctors want change and industry wants change.”
“Australia needs to prioritise investment in our PBS and urgent system reform so patients can access innovative new therapies as they become available. The ripple effect of this will be improved health, wellbeing and economic outcomes, and reduced pressure on health systems.”
View the full agenda and speaker bios here – www.medicinesaustralia.com.au/horizonscanning