Media Releases – Page 10 – Medicines Australia

Making #MedicinesMatter for all Australians

21 April 2022: Medicines Australia has launched a social media campaign to highlight key policy issues for the election campaign and to help educate all Australians about how rapid access to medicines is a core part of Australia’s world-class health system.

Medicines Australia will be releasing a new video and linked social media posts each week of the six-week Federal election campaign as a precursor to ongoing education and information about why medicines matter to the Australian population.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said the rapid rollout of vaccines and other health measures that have saved lives and protected lives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic have shown clearly that more people have a greater understanding of the importance of access to medicines when people need them most.

“A lot of health policy, especially medicines policy, is complex and hard to understand for people outside the industry,” Ms de Somer said.

“We are using the election campaign initially to roll out simple messages on social media to demystify some of the key policies that affect all Australians now and into the future.

“The new Government after 21 May will have major medicines policies to deal with from day one, including the National Medicines Policy (NMP), the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review, and the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our aim is to educate the public, the broader health sector, stakeholders, the media, and politicians about how vital it is for Australian patients to have faster access to new medicines and treatments.

“People need to know more about the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) and PBAC (Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee) processes in the same way they are informed about Medicare, hospitals, and primary care.

“They are all pillars of the health system.

“This knowledge will empower patients to ask questions about their treatments and make more informed choices.

“Medicines save lives and Australians deserve access to medicines that improve our quality of life and restore health. Medicines matter.”

The first video in the series, ‘Accessing Medicines’, was released last week and has been followed by this week’s new video ‘The Pillars of Good Health’.

More information about the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review is here.

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For further information or media interviews, please contact:
Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au
John Flannery – 0419 494 761 / john.flannery@medicinesaustralia.com.au

Big challenges ahead for new Health Minister designate

17 April 2022: Medicines Australia congratulates Senator Anne Ruston on her proposed appointment as Minister for Health and Ageing, if the Coalition is re-elected.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said Senator Ruston will face many challenges when she takes on the important Health Portfolio, should the Coalition win the election.

“There are huge responsibilities across the whole health and ageing sectors, but none more so than current and future access to life-saving and life-enhancing medicines, vaccines, and treatments for all Australians,” Ms de Somer said.

“Minister Hunt initiated several significant and welcome opportunities for much needed reforms during his time in the Health Portfolio and some of these need to be finalised in close consultation with the biopharmaceuticals industry, stakeholders and patient groups.

“The biggest challenge – and opportunity – will be the independently chaired Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review, which is due to commence from 1 July 2022.

“Medicines Australia looks forward to finalising the makeup of the Committee and discussing its important work in some detail with the new Health Minister.

“Another priority will be the resumption of consultation on the National Medicines Policy (NMP) Review, which Minister Hunt necessarily deferred until after the election following advocacy from Medicines Australia and patient groups.

“There will be numerous other vital policy discussions in keeping with the 5-year Strategic Agreement that Medicines Australia signed with the Federal Government in 2021.”

Medicines Australia again thanks Greg Hunt for his services to the Australian Parliament, especially his cooperative and consultative stewardship of the broad Health Portfolio and wishes him every success in his post-politics endeavours.

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Faster patient access to new medicines must be a priority for next Government

10 April 2022: With the Federal Election campaign now formally underway, Medicines Australia is reminding the major parties of the priorities for the next Government to improve health care for all Australians.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said that the Australian experience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has stressed the importance of fast access to new medicines, vaccines, and treatments to protect and improve public health.

“The next Government must invest strongly in the PBS, to access the science, research, and innovation that will ensure the health system is equipped to meet future demand and combat new health crises and pandemics,” Ms de Somer said.

“There is bipartisan support for the Government’s Strategic Agreement with Medicines Australia, the independent Health Technology Assessment (HTA) review, and the ongoing review of the National Medicines Policy (NMP).

“The work has begun. Both sides of politics are committed to much needed reforms to benefit patients and the health system. The next Government must deliver on the vision.

“Medicines save lives and improve quality of life.

“Innovative planning and significant investment in new medicines access must be among the first commitments of the new Government elected in May,” Ms de Somer said.

Medicines Australia calls on the next Government to guarantee Australia’s health system to deliver faster access to medicines, vaccines, and treatments now and into the future by :

Guaranteed investment in medicines as a pillar of the Australian health system;
A collaborative approach to the ongoing review of the National Medicines Policy (the first review in more than 20 years), with greater consultation with stakeholders, especially patient groups;
Prioritising the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review to enable one of the biggest health reforms in Australia for more than 30 years;
Reducing Australia’s discount rate for medicines from 5 per cent to 1.5 per cent, as recommended in countries such as Canada and England; and
Ensuring that the views and experiences of patients and patient organisations are an integral part of Government decision-making on new medicines.

More information on the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) review is available here.

More information on the discount rate for medicines is available here.

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Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review Reference Committee will drive reform to support Australian patients

10 April 2022: The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review Reference Committee announced (via the Department of Health website) is tasked with driving major reforms to shape the future of Australia’s health system and provide faster access to medicines for patients.

Medicines Australia Chair, Dr Anna Lavelle, said Medicines Australia accepts the final composition of the Committee, which includes stakeholders from Government, industry, the health sector and, most importantly, the patient community.

The HTA Review has a clear goal to reduce the time that it takes for Australian patients to access new health technologies. The Review will undertake the first major review and reform of the HTA system in 30 years.

The Committee will be independently chaired by former senior public servant, Dr Peter Boxall AO, and will undertake the first major review of the HTA system in 30 years.

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); Ms Adriana Platona PSM (Government Representative); Dr Dawn Casey PSM (National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation – NACCHO); and Ms Ann Single (Patient Voice Initiative).

Following representations from Medicines Australia, the Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, agreed to expand the committee to include a second patient advocate and an additional member with recent scientific knowledge, including an understanding of the potential of future technologies for poorly addressed or unmet, medical needs.

Dr Lavelle said that the appointment of two patient advocates – Dr Dawn Casey PSM and Ms Ann Single – was crucial and very welcome.

“The lived experience of patients and the impact and benefits of new medicines must be at the core of the Committee’s deliberations and decision making,” Dr Lavelle said.

“The First Nations voice from NACCHO is vital.

“We are delighted that the biopharmaceutical industry will be represented by Mr John Young, who is highly respected across the health sector in Australia and internationally.

“A scientist by training, Mr Young served as the Group President and Senior Advisor to the CEO of Pfizer before his retirement this year. Mr Young has also served as Chair of the Medicines Australia Board from 2006-2007.

“John has a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, the Australian healthcare system, and a passion for optimising access to innovative medicines.”

Dr Lavelle said it is crucial that the Chair operates completely independently of Government to lead the Committee to provide objective advice that will steer this important Review.

“The outcomes must lead to health system improvement and meet future patient needs and demands,” Dr Lavelle said.

“Following his long career in the senior levels of the public service, we are confident Dr Boxall’s breadth of experience and desire for system improvements will allow him to act independently of Government and seek wide ranging views and advice.”

The HTA Review will focus on medicines, biotherapeutics, and vaccines and will also include any related diagnostic tests and medical devices.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer said the HTA Review must ensure the Australian health system is equipped to embrace new medicines and technologies and meet the demands of future generations.

“Bold reform is needed to ensure better health outcomes for all Australians,” Ms de Somer said.

“This includes reducing time to access new medicines, keeping pace with new and emerging technologies, and building on Australia’s capacity to provide patients timely access to quality therapeutic care.

“It is significant that the independently chaired HTA Review is a core component of the five-year Strategic Agreement signed this year by the Australian Government and Medicines Australia.

“Medicines Australia will be very close to this Review at every stage,” Ms de Somer said.

More information about Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review is available here.

Background

ABOUT JOHN YOUNG

John Young served as Group President and Senior Advisor to the Pfizer Chief Executive Officer prior to his retirement from Pfizer in mid-2022. A scientist by training, John has almost 35 years of experience with Pfizer and has held several senior positions across the organisation. Most recently, John was Group President, Chief Business Officer at Pfizer. He also played an integral role in the collaborations that led to the successful development and delivery of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Prior to this role, John was the Group President of Pfizer Innovative Health, which included six business units focused on developing innovative medicines or vaccines, and on increasing access for patients impacted by diseases with significant unmet need.

John was Managing Director of Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd between 2004-2007 and was Chair of the Medicines Australia Board from 2006-2007 during which period he worked closely with the industry stakeholders and policy makers who engaged to develop a landmark package of reforms to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, implemented in 2007 (National Health Amendment (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) Bill 2007).

John will serve as a member of the board of directors of Haleon, the Consumer Healthcare Joint Venture between GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer when it is separated later this year. He also serves on the board of Johnson Controls International (JCI) and Imbria Pharmaceuticals. John also previously served on the Board of BIO (Biotechnology Innovation Organization) and as a member of the UK Government bioscience working group, the Life Sciences Council where he Co-Chaired the Life Sciences Council sub-committee PAMP (The Patient Access to medicines Partnership) with UK Government Under Secretary of State for Innovation in the Department of Health, Lord James Bethel.

John holds a BSc in Biological Science from Glasgow University and an MBA from Strathclyde Graduate Business School. He is married with three daughters.

ABOUT MEDICINES AUSTRALIA

Medicines Australia leads the research-based medicines industry of Australia. Our members discover, develop and manufacture prescription pharmaceutical products, biotherapeutic products and vaccines that bring health, social and economic benefits to Australia. Our members invest in Australian medical research and take local discoveries and developments to the world.

Our mission is to drive policy outcomes in partnership with government, health sector organisations and the community which will ensure Australians have universal, affordable, and fast access to treatments that keep pace with advancements in medicine.

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Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au.
John Flannery – 0419 494 761 / john.flannery@medicinesaustralia.com.au

Budget 2022-23 – No ‘big bang’ announcements in Health

29 March 2022: Medicines Australia welcomes tonight’s Budget announcements for new PBS listings and ongoing COVID-19 measures.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said increased funding and commitments to ongoing health investment will be necessary to ensure faster access to innovative medicines for Australians who need them.

“Medicines Australia will pursue these long term objectives through the Strategic Agreement, signed with the Government last year and through the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review,” said Ms de Somer.

“The innovative biopharmaceutical industry has been central to Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and will be a major contributor to the nation’s economic recovery by keeping people healthy and productive in the workplace and in their daily lives.

“As the vaccination rollout has shown, medicines save lives and improve quality of life.

“Rapid access to medicines and vaccines is crucial for Australia’s health and economic recovery.

“The Government must invest heavily in health – including medicines – to keep the population in good health and safe from inevitable health crises and pandemics now and in the decades ahead.

“The Medicines Australia Budget Submission called on the Government for strong investments in the PBS, science and innovation,” she said.

Medicines Australia notes some increased spending in aged care and mental health and welcome changes to the PBS safety net.

Significant Budget announcements for the biopharmaceutical sector include:

1. COVID-19 response package – vaccines and treatments: $1.0 billion over two years for continued distribution and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines across Australia.

2. Improving access to medicines – PBS new and amended listings: the Government will provide $2.4 billion over 5 years from 2021-22 for new and amended listings on the PBS.

3. PBS – lowering the safety net threshold: $525.3 million over 4 years from 2022-23 to reduce the PBS safety net thresholds.

4. Fighting cancer: $423.7 million over 5 years to support specialist facilities and research to fight and prevent cancer including the establishment of the Western Australian Comprehensive Cancer Centre and Genomics Australia.

5. mRNA vaccine manufacturing: the Government will establish an mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility with Moderna to support pandemic preparedness.

“Medicines Australia will continue to work with the Government on policies and reforms that ensure Australian patients have faster access to the latest innovations in medicines, vaccines and treatments,” said Ms de Somer.

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For further information or media interviews, please contact:

Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au.

John Flannery – 0419 494 761 / john.flannery@medicinesaustralia.com.au

Medicines Australia acknowledges Senator Kim Carr’s contribution to industry and innovation

29 March 2022: Medicines Australia congratulates Senator the Hon Kim Carr on his almost 30 years of service to the Australian Parliament – especially his contributions to industry and innovation – and wishes him well for his future endeavours.

Senator Carr has announced he is not seeking re-election as a Senator for Victoria at the upcoming election.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said the biopharmaceutical industry benefited from Senator Carr’s strong interest and commitment to science, innovation, higher education, and research – all key drivers of Australia’s health and medicines sectors.

“Senator Carr was first elected in 1993 and served in numerous Ministerial and Shadow Ministerial roles, most notably as Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science, and Research in the Rudd and Gillard Governments,” Ms de Somer said.

“Senator Carr was known as a strong advocate for industry and science throughout his parliamentary career and was always consultative in his dealings with professional associations and other stakeholders.

“He will be especially remembered in the medicines sector for his stewardship of the R&D tax credit legislation, establishing the Pharmaceuticals Industry Strategy Group, and advocating the importance of patent protection.

“Senator Carr made a significant contribution for nearly three decades in Federal politics and leaves an enduring legacy of passion for industry, science and innovation,” 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.

John Flannery – 0419 494 761 / john.flannery@medicinesaustralia.com.au

Federal Budget vision must extend beyond election day to secure better long-term health for all Australians

28 March 2022: Medicines Australia is hoping tomorrow’s Budget reveals a long-term vision for health with strong investments in the PBS, science and innovation to ensure faster access for Australians to new medicines, vaccines, and treatments in the decades ahead.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said the Budget must reflect important lessons learnt from Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Budget vision for health must extend well beyond the upcoming federal election,” Ms de Somer said.

“We need health policy and investment to meet future needs, including preparedness for inevitable future pandemics.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has provided irrefutable evidence that the Government must act now to protect the future health of the Australian population.

“Australia avoided the worst impacts of the virus by following the best scientific and health advice, securing innovative vaccines , and getting Australians vaccinated in large numbers as quickly as possible.

“Guaranteeing Australians rapid access to innovative vaccines saved lives.

“Medicines save lives and improve quality of life. Rapid access to medicines must become standard practice in Australia.

“But Australians currently wait significantly longer than other similar countries when it comes to access to new medicines

“On average, over 60 per cent of medicines become available to patients within 6 months, but in Australia it is just 22 per cent.

“For patient access to new medicines, Australia is lagging. We should be a world leader.

“In our Budget Submission, we ask the Government to set a policy and investment course for Australia to be in the top 5 of similar OECD countries by 2027,” Ms de Somer said.

Medicines Australia has provided the Government with a suite of recommendations to help achieve our shared objective of a world-class health system that provides patients with faster access to medicines, vaccines, and treatments now and into the future, including:

Australia to be in top 5 of similar OECD countries by 2027 for speed of patient access to new medicines;
Investment to ensure medicines remain a pillar of the Australian health system alongside hospitals, public and private health services; and the health workforce – doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and carers;
A collaborative approach to reviewing the National Medicines Policy (the first review in more than 20 years), with greater consultation with stakeholders, especially patient groups. Minister Hunt last week announced an extension of consultation until after the Federal election, which is expected in May;
Making the review of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) system a priority for the next Government. The independent HTA review will enable one of the biggest health reforms in Australia for more than 30 years;
Reducing Australia’s discount rate for medicines from 5 per cent to 1.5 per cent, as recommended in countries such as Canada and England; and
Ensuring that the views and experiences of patients and patient organisations are an integral part of Government decision-making on new medicines.

All these recommendations are consistent with the 5-year Strategic Agreement that Medicines Australia signed with the Federal Government in 2021.

The Opposition has committed to the Strategic Agreement, the Health Technology Assessment, and the National Medicines Policy should it form Government following the upcoming election.

The Medicines Australia Budget Submission 2022-23 is available here.

More information on the discount rate for medicines is available here.

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For further information or media interviews, please contact:

Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au.

John Flannery – 0419 494 761 / john.flannery@medicinesaustralia.com.au

Leaked TRIPS proposal misguided about improving global COVID-19 vaccination rates

24 March 2022: The leaked proposal on the waiver on intellectual property (IP) rights for COVID-19 vaccines is misguided and will not speed up access for world vaccination against the virus.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said the TRIPS proposal is unnecessary and irrelevant and will only weaken our IP systems.

“The TRIPS waiver is a distraction from taking action on issues that will actually help more people around the world to receive the COVID-19 vaccine,” Ms de Somer said.

“It has now been two years since the start of the pandemic and the issues of vaccine inequity could not be clearer. We must put our energy towards overcoming the obvious hurdles such as supporting country readiness, investing in initiatives such as COVAX for equitable vaccine distribution and addressing vaccine hesitancy.

“Strong and well-established IP laws and regulations have accelerated – not inhibited – the discovery and development of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.

“This attempt to weaken IP will disincentivise research and development on innovative medicines, vaccines, and treatments, and have negative, unintended consequences for future pandemic preparedness.

“There is still a lot of work ahead of us if we are to tackle improving global vaccine rates, especially those in low-income countries.

“The World Health Organization has forecast there are now enough doses to achieve global vaccination targets. The focus must be on equitable distribution. We should not be distracted by the hollow noise of the TRIPS waiver.

“Medicines Australia continues to support practical, global efforts that will tackle COVID-19 vaccine inequity.

“We continue to encourage the Australian Government to bolster funding to initiatives such as COVAX and work in collaboration with our neighbours in the Indo-Pacific to increase vaccine rates.

“The recent commitment of $100 million from the Australian Government to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) will help the organisation control COVID-19 and battle future pandemics.

“As a nation that values generosity and mateship, the Australian Government must help improve low vaccination rates in low-income countries. This includes helping our closest neighbours in Papua New Guinea who still have a dangerously low vaccination rate of 2.75%,” Ms de Somer said.

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You can also further statements about the leaked TRIPS waiver from IFPMA (International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations) and ICBA (International Council of Biotechnology Associations).

For further information or media interviews, please contact:

Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au.

John Flannery – 0419 494 761 / john.flannery@medicinesaustralia.com.au

BACKGROUND:

TRIPS is the agreement on Trade-Related aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, which is an international legal agreement between all the member nations of the World Trade Organization.

ABOUT MEDICINES AUSTRALIA

Government opts for additional consultation on National Medicines Policy (NMP) Review

24 March 2022: The Government has heeded the calls from Medicines Australia, patient groups, health bodies, and industry by extending the finalisation of the National Medicines Policy (NMP) Review until after the Federal election to allow further and more detailed consultation with stakeholders.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said the deferral decision by Health Minister Greg Hunt follows weeks of advocacy and direct discussions with the Minister and his office.

“We congratulate Minister Hunt for continuing his long-held practice of listening to stakeholders and having the courage to make bold decisions that are in the best interests of good health policy and the health of Australian patients,” Ms de Somer said.

“The NMP affects all Australians.

“Reforming and modernising the NMP, to keep pace with rapidly evolving scientific and medical advances, is too important to be rushed. It is central to the health of the nation – now and into the future,” she said.

Rare Cancers Australia CEO and Chair of the National Oncology Alliance, Richard Vines, agreed that more time and consultation is needed for patient groups.

“The NMP tells us how every Australian can access and use medicines, vaccines, and treatments. This is an extremely important document that has an impact on all of us, especially patients. We must get this right.

“Our thanks to Minister Hunt for allowing us the time to not only update the NMP but ensure that there is widespread agreement within the community on the vision it presents.

“A refreshed, future-focused NMP can provide the framework to enable the best outcomes for Australians living with serious diseases like rare cancers, now and into the future,” he said.

Ms de Somer said that stakeholders have supported the intent of the Review since it was announced by the Morrison Government in 2019.

“The NMP has held us in good stead for more than 20 years,” Ms de Somer said.

“The commitment to the Review demonstrates the Australian Government’s appetite to prepare our health system for the future.

“We thank Minister Hunt for his engagement with stakeholders and patients.

“The announcement of additional consultation time will place the NMP Review on a productive, collaborative path forward and we look forward to continuing our contribution.”

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For further information or media interviews, please contact:
Medicines Australia: Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au
Medicines Australia: John Flannery – 0419 494 761 / john.flannery@medicinesaustralia.com.au
Rare Cancers Australia: Casey Virgin – casey.virgin@rarecancers.org.au

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Read the media release from Minister Hunt about the NMP Review pause

New Australian agency to accelerate genomic research and drive innovation in healthcare

21 March 2022: Genomics advances will help develop revolutionary treatments for some of our biggest health challenges, including diagnosing and understanding rare and inherited diseases.

Announced today, the Federal Government will invest $28.1 million into a new agency for the Health Portfolio, Genomics Australia, from 1 January 2024.

Genomic technologies have been around for decades and have rapidly evolved since its discovery says Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer. In recent times, scientists are using genome sequencing to track mutations in the SARS-CoV2 virus, which causes COVID-19.

“Genomics is a core part of our healthcare and during the height of the pandemic, was the reason how scientists and researchers were able to quickly understand the COVID-19 virus,” said Ms de Somer.

“Not only does genomics help us understand human health and the mechanisms of disease, but it can be used in the prevention, earlier diagnosis and treatment of a large range of diseases, including cancer.”

“The establishment of Genomics Australia is the right step forward, building on Australia’s growing infrastructure that will support genomic research and medicine into the future,” she said.

Today’s announcement complements other recent initiatives such as the Medicines Australia and AusBiotech’s joint Cell and Gene Therapy Catalyst programme, the Industry Genomics Network Alliance (InGeNA) and the Omico Precision Oncology Screening Platform ‘PrOSPECT’, which was announced just last week.

“It is our hope the new agency Genomics Australia will build on the collaboration efforts between Government, the health sector and patients to ensure all Australians can benefit from these pioneering advancements in research and genomics,” said Ms de Somer.

“Creating more efficient ways of onshoring innovative technologies and treatments such as genomics to Australia is something that has been resoundingly called for by patient groups and stakeholders in the recent National Medicines Policy Review and the House of Representatives Report, ‘The New Frontier’.”

“The new Medicines Australia Strategic Agreement with the Federal Government prioritises creating these new pathways that will encourage more innovative technologies to our shores, including precision medicines.”

“As part of the Strategic Agreement, the independently chaired HTA review – one of the biggest health reforms in Australia for 30 years – will bring about bold changes to speed up access to innovative medicines, vaccines and treatments for the Australian population.”

“We will be advocating the next Federal Government to make the independent HTA review one of its highest priorities.”

“Medicines Australia welcomes today’s announcement, which will help to build on Australian scientific successes and ensure patients can have faster access to more personalised treatment options,” said Ms de Somer.

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BACKGROUND:

ABOUT GENOMICS MEDICINE

Further information about genomics medicine can be found at Queensland Genomics.

“Genomics is the study of genomes. A genome is an organism’s complete set of genetic information, also known as DNA. All living organisms have their own genome that is unique to them.

Advances in genomic medicine offer exciting opportunities to improve health and wellbeing. Through genomic medicine, medical experts can predict disease risk, diagnose illness and guide treatment. And its use is expected to grow exponentially in coming years due to further advances in science and technology.”

ABOUT MEDICINES AUSTRALIA