Medicines Australia and the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association granted interim authorisation by the ACCC

In an important collaborative step, Medicines Australia (MA) and the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) have today been granted ACCC Authorisation to permit discussions and the implementation of strategies that support the continued supply of essential medicines and associated supplies to Australians, including those urgently needed for the treatment of COVID-19.

This authorisation reflects the critical need to stabilise and manage the supply of medicines which has seen unprecedented demand in recent weeks resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maintaining the supply of essential medicines to Australians who rely on them is the industry’s utmost priority as we face one of the biggest global health challenges of our time.

Medicines Australia Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth de Somer welcomed this decision by the ACCC.

“Today’s authorisation underscores the importance of an integrated supply chain for our medicines and I thank the GBMA for working alongside us in addressing the challenges we are now facing as a result of COVID-19.”

“It is essential that we pursue every possible strategy that supports the delivery of medicines into the hands of Australian patients. We must be focused and tireless in our effort,” said Ms de Somer.

“We have a critical role to play in the urgent response to this rapidly evolving health crisis. But to succeed it requires the Australian healthcare delivery system to work together, including with Government, in a highly collaborative and open manner,” states Dr Anna Lavelle, Chair, Medicines Australia.

“Companies are working around the clock to monitor and assess supplies, at a local and global level, to ensure they can get to where they are needed,” added Dr Lavelle.

“We welcome this important authorisation by the ACCC to allow industry, extending to non-members of the associations, to work together now and facilitate the efficient and effective management of medicine supplies for Australian patients during this critical and challenging time,” comments Marnie Peterson CEO, Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association.

“Every measure we can put in place to assist in the treatment of COVID-19 while also supporting the ongoing supply of essential medicines to Australians must be implemented and we are extremely pleased the ACCC have approved our request.” said Ms Peterson.

Both Medicines Australia and the GBMA are working in close partnership with the Federal, State and Territory Governments and the local healthcare community to respond to and manage the supply of medicines – both within Australia and also shipment of supplies into the country.

As the peak bodies for medicines in Australia, Medicines Australia and the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association stand ready to protect Australians in these uncertain times.

The details outlined by the ACCC provides specific guidelines around the sharing and exchange of information relating to the supply of prescription medicines together with general arrangements and agreements.

Full details can be found here.

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More information – Natalie Wimmer – nwimmer@medaus.com.au  – 0450 728 660