Media Releases – Page 11 – Medicines Australia

Australian cancer patients to get improved access to clinical trials

17 March 2022: Australian cancer patients will get improved access to local clinical trials through a new public-private partnership consortium, PrOSPECT, which today announced a funding agreement that is expected to enable a significant increase in local cancer clinical trial participation.

PrOSPECT – Precision Oncology Screening Platform Enabling Clinical Trials – is a collaboration of organisations that has partnered with the Federal and NSW Governments to expand access to comprehensive genomic profiling for cancer patients and enable clinical trial access.

Medicines Australia member, Roche Australia, is one of the foundational partners of PrOSPECT.

Medicines Australia welcomes the announcement of the $185 million project, which is a product of the Federal Government’s Modern Manufacturing Initiative.

“The significant new funding announced today will improve Australian patient access to the latest medical breakthroughs in cancer treatments,” said Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer.

“Roche’s expertise in genomic medicine and the power of partnership between key health organisations and governments is a demonstration of capable collaboration in action.”

“Thousands of Australian cancer patients currently have limited options for treatment, or face delays.”

“Supported by PrOSPECT, the Omico Precision Oncology Screening Platform will mean cutting-edge research and innovative medicines can now be discovered on home soil. Discoveries being made in Australia mean patients won’t have to wait as long for the latest breakthroughs to come from overseas.”

The new platform will attract new clinical trials to Australia and increase enrolment numbers by screening more than 20,000 Australians with incurable cancers, through a national network of cancer centres.

Ms de Somer said cutting edge research and clinical trials allow patients to access new innovative breakthroughs and provide enormous benefits for Australia’s health system.

“Clinical trials create highly skilled jobs, grow the economy, and place Australian patients at the front of the queue for innovative treatments,” Ms de Somer said.

“Australia is a world leader in genomic research and precision medicine. Today’s announcement will bolster Australia’s growing regional presence on the international stage as we work towards more landmark discoveries to fight cancer.”

“Medicines Australia congratulates Omico, Roche, the Federal Government and other members of the PrOSPECT network on this important initiative.”

Ms de Somer said today’s announcement is further proof that investing in science and medicine to plan for future health events such as pandemics or the emergence and spread of diseases must be a priority for governments.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of ensuring Australian patients have quick access to the latest discoveries in medicines, vaccines, and treatments in times of health crises and emergencies,” Ms de Somer said.

“To be better prepared for the future, Australia must do all it can to secure faster global and local supply of innovative medicines, vaccines, and treatments to protect the Australian population, and remove any roadblocks to efficient supply.

“The Medicines Australia Strategic Agreement with the Federal Government prioritises creating the new pathways and funding models needed to encourage innovative technologies, including precision, genomic medicines.

“The first independent review of Australia’s Health Technology Assessment (HTA) system – a key pillar of the Strategic Agreement – begins in July 2022.”

“The HTA review – one of the biggest health reforms in Australia for 30 years – will bring about bold changes to speed up access to vital medicines for the Australian population.”

“Medicines Australia will advocate strongly for the next Federal Government to make the HTA review one of its highest priorities,” 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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

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.

Medicines Australia welcomes reform efforts to speed up clinical trials

4 March 2022: Australian patients will have improved access to clinical trials due to reforms to be introduced by the Australian Government following advocacy by Medicines Australia and other groups.

The ‘National One Stop Shop’ and the ‘National Clinical Trials Front Door’ reforms have just completed the first phase of consultation with peak bodies Medicines Australia (MA), AusBiotech, and the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA), via the R&D Taskforce. The co-chairs of the R&D Taskforce are David Wilks from Bristol Myers Squibb and Ana Svensson from NovoNordisk.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said these exciting reforms will significantly benefit patients and improve Australia’s international competitiveness in medical and scientific innovation.

“Clinical trials allow patients to gain early, no-cost access to innovative treatment across a broad range of diseases,” Ms de Somer said.

“They contribute to better healthcare outcomes and improvements in clinical practice.

“Currently, each state and territory have their own separate regulatory requirements, which create unnecessary duplication, complexity, and inconsistency.

“This dramatically slows down patient access to clinical trials and discourages international companies from engaging with Australia on innovation.

“The consultations on the National One Stop Shop and the National Clinical Trials Front Door are a real opportunity for change, and we welcome the completion of the first phase. It is great to see consensus across all jurisdictions for a single platform to harmonise the clinical trials landscape.”

Clinical trials create jobs and ensure medical breakthroughs are happening right here at home. In 2019, $1.4 billion was invested in clinical trials and at least 8,000 Australian jobs were supported by the clinical trials sector.

The goal of the National One Stop Shop and the Front Door is to make it easier for patients, researchers, industry representatives, and sponsors to find, conduct, participate, and invest in high-quality and ethical research in Australia.

To inform the development of the National One Stop Shop and the Front Door, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare (ACSQH) is undertaking a two-phase consultation in partnership with all Australian jurisdictions. The Commission has provided an update on the first phase of consultation, which highlights broad support for a single platform to replace other national and jurisdictional systems.

Ms de Somer said the first phase of the consultation has been comprehensive, engaging a broad range of stakeholders, and she looks forward to the next phase.

“Along with AusBiotech and MTAA, Medicines Australia congratulates the Government on the progress in the consultations which promise to be a much-needed win for Australian innovation.

“The R&D Taskforce will continue to engage with the consultations and other harmonisation initiatives that improve access for patients and boosts Australia’s international competitiveness in clinical trials once and for all,” Ms de Somer said.

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<< Previous: Improvements to clinical trials will strengthen Australia’s economy and benefit patients

BACKGROUND:

About Medicines Australia

About the R&D Taskforce

Since 2006, the R&D Taskforce has been a unique forum for developing, evaluating, and providing expert advice to Government on issues affecting clinical research in Australia. The co-chairs of the R&D Taskforce are David Wilks from Bristol Myers Squibb and Ana Svensson from NovoNordisk.

Convened by Medicines Australia, AusBiotech and the Medical Technology Association of Australia, the R&D Taskforce brings together senior executives from the peak bodies and companies representing the industry sectors, including the research-based and the biotechnology sector. In addition, these sectors are among the Australian health system’s most crucial components: they research, develop, manufacture and supply products that Australians use to lead healthier and more productive lives.

The R&D Taskforce is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that our clinical research industry remains a strong contributor to this country’s economy and to the health and wellbeing of all Australians.

About the National One Stop Shop and National Clinical Trials Front Door

The goal of the National One Stop Shop and National Clinical Trials Front Door is to make it easier for patients, researchers, industry representatives and sponsors to find, conduct, participate and invest in high quality and ethical research in Australia.

To find out more, visit the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care website.

MAP offers new online pathway for accessing cancer treatments

24 February 2022: Medicines Australia and Rare Cancers Australia yesterday provided pharmaceutical industry stakeholders a preview of a new Medicines Access Portal (MAP), an exciting initiative to better link clinicians and their cancer patients to special oncology access treatment programs.

The MAP website – initially only available for cancer treatments – is a single, secure online portal for pharmaceutical companies to inform Australian medical practitioners of the existence of special access programs available to patients.

The MAP is currently going through its final beta testing phase and will be officially launched in April 2022.

Rare Cancers Australia’s CEO, Richard Vines, said that listing these treatment programs in one, central portal will speed up patients accessing life extending or lifesaving medicine.

“Compassionate access or special access programs are often a last hope for cancer patients. Up until now, clinicians and patients have had to rely on general knowledge and word-of-mouth to find these programs which means the patient risks missing out. The MAP is a simple solution to connect clinicians to pharmaceutical companies who offer these types of special access programs,” he said.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said today’s ‘soft launch’ was designed to allow pharmaceutical companies time to put in place the programs and systems needed to allow a seamless experience for clinicians.

“The idea was originally brought to us by Professor John Zalcberg, a well-respected oncologist, who wanted to create a simple solution that would allow clinicians to easily find information about access programs and whilst still meeting pharmaceutical companies’ legal obligations.

“The MAP is a secure, single portal that will provide fast, equitable access to information for clinicians across the country.”

Pharmaceutical companies will register to be part of MAP and load details of their access programs onto the website. These are generally medicines that have been registered or prior to the medicine being listed on the PBS, so are not available to patients through normal pathways.

Clinicians who hold an AHPRA number will also securely register on the site and be able to search for information on existing access programs, including by cancer type, treatment type, company, product, and access pathway.

In accordance with the Therapeutic Goods Act, the public and patients will not be able to directly access any information relating to any of the access programs or medicines listed on the website.

“Australia’s cancer patients will benefit significantly from the MAP website. Cancer specialists – especially those in regional areas – will have easier and faster access to information about medicines and treatments will offer more options for the care of their patients,” Ms de Somer said.

“Medicines Australia and Rare Cancers Australia are proud to be involved in bringing this exciting patient care initiative to reality. We are grateful to all stakeholders – especially to Professor John Zalcberg – for his hard work and dedication to create MAP to help cancer patients,” she said.

MAP is a joint initiative between Medicines Australia and Rare Cancers Australia and has been developed in collaboration with the Medical Oncology Group of Australia (MOGA), the Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand (HSANZ), the TGA, PBAC, industry representatives and clinicians.

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

COVID-19 pandemic sends clear message that Australia must value the long-term health of all Australians

21 February 2022: Medicines Australia is warning that Australia must act now to ensure that our health system is resourced properly to deal with growing demand and to cope with inevitable future pandemics and health crises.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said that the global COVID-19 pandemic has sent a clear message that all nations must future-proof their health systems.

“We must prepare for the future. This will involve planning for a strong health workforce; health infrastructure; public health policy and strategy; medical technology; community education and information campaigns – and medicines,” Ms de Somer said.

“It is vital that we remove any disincentives to research and development of medicines, including vaccines and curative therapies, that will be needed in the years and decades ahead.

“Currently in Australia, the priority is on medicines that deliver an immediate or short-term benefit.

“Treatments that have a shorter-term benefit are economically valued higher than a treatment that has a longer or lifetime benefit. For example, a cancer treatment that may increase someone’s survival rate for an extra five years is valued more highly than a vaccine that will protect a child for the rest of their life.

“As a society, Australia must treat all these medicines – which save lives, extend lives, and protect quality of life – more equally.

“This can be achieved by a simple change in policy by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).”

Medicines Australia has made a detailed submission – based on international best practice and experience – to the PBAC to change its position on this policy, which is known as the base discount rate.

Australia’s current discount rate has not been adjusted for more than 30 years to reflect the contemporary medical and health environment and does not align with international health technology assessment (HTA) best practice.

“Our high discount rate is ignoring the health needs of our future generations,” Ms de Somer said.

“Medicines Australia wants the PBAC to reduce Australia’s current discount rate of 5 per cent to 1.5 per cent, as recommended in countries such as Canada and England, to recognise the value of preventative treatments and cures, and speed up access to them.

“This would provide an incentive for research, development, and production of more new medicines that will be ready to deal with current, emerging, and future health conditions.

“It will better prepare our health system to deal with the complexities of future pandemics and other public health crises. It will strengthen the health system to allow it to save lives and improve the quality of life for our children and their children,” Ms de Somer said.

The Medicines Australia submission recommends an immediate change of the discount rate.

The Medicines Australia Submission to the PBAC on the Discount Rate is available at www.medicinesaustralia.com.au/policy/submissions.

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>> Download fact sheet on discount rates

Background:

What is a discount rate?

Discount rates reflect how society values future outcomes compared to present outcomes. Many medicines, vaccines and treatments provide long-term health benefits. For example, a child receiving a polio vaccine will reap the benefits of that vaccine for the rest of their life. On the other hand, a new cancer treatment may increase someone’s survival rate for an extra 5 years. In Australia, the treatment that has a shorter-term benefit (the cancer treatment) is economically valued higher than a treatment that has a long or lifelong benefit.

For treatments that have long-term or lifelong benefits, a discount rate is applied, which means that the medicine is not valued as highly. The PBAC set the base discount rate at 5 per cent in 1990 with reference to Canada. Since that time, this discount rate hasn’t changed, despite other countries (including Canada and England), lowering base discount rates to make way for more preventative and curable medicines, vaccines, and treatments.

The discount rate is determined by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), whose primary role is to assess and recommend new medicines and treatments to be listed on the PBS. Part of the PBAC’s Health Technology Assessment (HTA) includes deciding whether a new medicine, vaccine, or treatment is safe and cost-effective compared to an existing treatment.

Why the discount rate needs to change

Our society and values have changed since 1990 and there is an increasing recognition of the importance of preventative healthcare. The COVID-19 vaccine rollout is just one example of the importance of preventative therapies.

If left unchanged, the discount rate will risk significantly reducing patient access to cutting edge therapies and affecting the long-term future health of generations of Australians, particularly young people who stand to benefit the most from preventative medicines early in their life.

In Australia, the 5 per cent discount rate has contributed to delays in accessing vital therapies – including vaccines for human papilloma virus (HPV) in adolescents, meningococcal disease in children and adolescents, zoster virus for 60-year-olds, and pneumococcal disease for adults, as well as medicines to treat hepatitis C, and treatments for spinal muscular atrophy in children.

Health and medical innovation is advancing faster than we have ever seen before, in particular when it comes to preventative treatments. Australia can’t afford to miss out on these new medical advances that can change or save lives.

Recommendation

The Strategic Agreement between Medicines Australia and the Commonwealth Government commits to reviewing the PBAC base case discount rate against international health technology assessment (HTA) best practice.

Medicines Australia has made a recommendation to PBAC to lower its discount rate from 5 per cent to 1.5 per cent.

This recommendation is based on a review of international HTA discount rate practice, the impact of high discount rates on access to medicines, and government policies that stress the importance of long-term health, such as Australia’s Long-Term National Health Plan.

A lower discount rate of 1.5 per cent will:

recognise the value of long-term future health benefits;
prove to the Australian people and the world that our population’s future health is valued;
contribute to improving the speed of patient access to new and innovative therapies;
promote PBAC decision-making equity; and
align with the Commonwealth Government’s preventative health agenda.

It is important that the new discount rate is applied as soon as possible. The change could take effect by a simple adjustment to the PBAC Guidelines and could be implemented by July 2022.

Patent box legislation to promote Australian innovation

11 February 2022: Medicines Australia notes the introduction of patent box legislation, Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Concession for Australian Medical Innovations) Bill 2022, in the Australian Parliament yesterday.

In the 2021-22 Budget, the Government announced that it would introduce a patent box regime for eligible corporate income associated with patented inventions in the medical and biotechnology sectors.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said that incentivising the commercialisation of innovative medical and biotechnology products in Australia through the patent box is an important first step in supporting home-grown innovation.

“This legislation is a welcome first step, and we will continue to encourage stronger and bolder incentives to promote and protect Australian innovation,” Ms de Somer said.

“The proposed design of the patent box, tabled in Parliament yesterday, could go further to attract multinational biopharmaceutical companies to invest in developing or manufacturing medicines and vaccines onshore.

“Australia still faces significant barriers, such as a smaller population and remote geographical location to other jurisdictions. We look forward to a continuing constructive partnership with the Government to increase the competitiveness of the patent box.

“Medicines Australia will be engaging with the Government on implementing this legislation and to introduce improvements, as appropriate.”

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For media enquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au
John Flannery – 0419 494 761 / john.flannery@medicinesaustralia.com.au

National Medicines Policy too important to be rushed before Federal Election

10 February 2022: Following consultation with members – and heeding the concerns of the Consumers Health Forum (CHF) and patient groups – Medicines Australia reiterates its call to have finalisation of the new National Medicines Policy (NMP) delayed until after the Federal Election.

The NMP Review Committee yesterday heard from a range of stakeholders who resoundingly agreed that four weeks is not enough time to provide feedback on the Draft NMP, which was quietly released last week.

Medicines Australia CEO, Liz de Somer, said that the inadequate consultation period – extended from two weeks to four weeks – was not the only problem with the Draft NMP.

“The NMP affects all Australians. It is central to the health of the nation – now and into the future. It is far too important to be rushed,” Ms de Somer said.

“We have examined the Draft NMP closely and it is lacking in many vital areas.

“The aim is focused on processes rather than on desired outcomes. This misses the point. Governance, accountability and evaluation proposals are ambiguous and there is no framework for regular review with the stakeholders and partners.

“While there is intent to modernise the policy, the draft document fails to reflect stakeholders’ inputs, particularly the voice of consumers – the patients whose lives are most directly impacted by medicines policy and access to medicines.

“We cannot let the first review of the NMP in 20 years to be a missed opportunity. Too much is at stake.”

Medicines Australia has been in contact with many key stakeholders, including patient groups who represent vulnerable patients who need access to lifesaving and life-changing medicines. There is widespread concern about the inadequacies in the Draft NMP, and dismay at the short consultation time, even when extended by two weeks.

Some key stakeholders, including patient support groups, do not have the resources to weigh in on such a historic Policy within such a short period of time. Many expressed their concern that they were not notified about the release of the Draft.

Ms de Somer said the NMP received over 150 written submissions, many of which expressed the need for a clear vision and governance frameworks, including ambitious targets and clear KPIs, which are currently lacking in the Draft.

“The World Health Organization’s guidelines list ‘commitment to a goal and a guide for action’ as one of the key markers for an effective national medicines policy,” Ms de Somer said.

“Failure to include ambitious goals, clear objective measures, governance and review mechanisms is not only dismissive of what stakeholders have asked for, but also fails to meet international best practice.

“The Government must listen to the voices of patient groups, health experts, and industry to put in place the right policy framework to ensure the success of the NMP.

“More time is needed, and more genuine consultation is needed – away from the distractions of an election.

“The NMP must be put on hold for further discussion and implementation by the next Government.”

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Medicines Australia calls for new National Medicines Policy (NMP) to be pushed back until after the Federal Election

4 February 2022: Medicines Australia is today calling for the new National Medicines Policy (NMP) to be pushed back until after the Federal election, expected in May.

CEO of Medicines Australia, Elizabeth de Somer, said that the NMP Review Consultation Draft, released quietly online this week, has put cost savings ahead of better health outcomes for the Australian community, and has allowed only two weeks for stakeholder feedback.

“The new National Medicines Policy is far too important to be rushed. Medicines Australia believes the Government must hit the pause button and allow more detailed examination and consultation on the Draft,” Ms de Somer said.

“The National Medicines Policy affects all Australians. We must learn the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic. The views of industry, medical and public health experts and organisations, clinicians, patient groups and the general public must be heard and acknowledged.”

“Many of the smaller key stakeholders, including groups that represent patients with serious and rare diseases, do not have the time or the resources to adequately respond to the Draft NMP within the 14-day deadline.”

“Genuine and honest feedback on this important policy cannot be achieved in two weeks with an online process. It needs proper debate, discussion, and a priority to put health ahead of other factors. The Government must delay the new National Medicines Policy until after the election.”

Medicines Australia will be writing to Minister Hunt to urge him to pause the finalisation of the revised NMP. The current document risks missing the Government’s stated objective to ensure that Australia’s National Medicines Policy is modernised, fit for purpose and focused on ensuring that Australians have access to world-class medicines when they need them.

Ms de Somer said the NMP affects the health and quality of life of all Australians.

“The draft NMP deserves proper review to ensure the Australian health system is supported by the best possible medicines policy.

“Refreshing the NMP is an incredible opportunity to prepare Australia’s health system to face future challenges, including possible future pandemics and the growing burden of complex and chronic disease.

“The Draft lacks a vision and does not adequately address equitable and timely access to new and innovative medicines, which were the key demands from the hundreds of respondents to the House of Representatives Inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia.

“There must be greater emphasis and focus on equitable access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, remote and rural populations, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

“A national policy that responds to patient voices and meets patient needs – and acknowledges the expert advice and evidence of all stakeholders – can play a key role in delivering world’s best outcomes for access and utilisation of medicines, biotherapeutics, and vaccines to the Australian community.

“It is crucial to get the NMP right, as it will help to establish the vision for the upcoming independent review of Health Technology Assessment Policy and Methods, and the bold reforms needed to ensure patients can access the latest medical innovations.”

Medicines Australia is currently continuing its forensic examination of the detail of the draft NMP and will today convene a meeting of key medicines industry stakeholders to further discuss the Draft and recommendations to achieve the best possible NMP.

Medicines Australia will issue a more comprehensive response to the NMP Review next week.

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<< Previous: National Medicines Policy Review will be significant for all Australians

>> Next: National Medicines Policy too important to be rushed before Federal Election

Four new Board Directors announced for Medicines Australia

3 February 2022: Medicines Australia is delighted to announce four new members to its Board of Directors; Adam Roach (BeiGene AUS Pty Ltd), Ashraf Al-Ouf (Bayer Australia Limited), Kylie Bromley (Biogen Australia Pty Ltd), and Patrick Desbiens (GSK Australia Pty Ltd).

Chair of Medicines Australia, Dr Anna Lavelle, welcomed the new Directors and paid tribute to the significant breadth of experience and knowledge these senior leaders bring to the Medicines Australia Board.

“The outstanding knowledge and capabilities within the Board will be further strengthened by the considerable leadership expertise and strategic skills of the new Directors. I look forward to working with these exemplary industry leaders who have passion and conviction for the industry and most importantly, for Australian patients,” said Dr Lavelle.

“The time is right for bold reforms and Medicines Australia and its Board are up to the challenge. The new Board Directors will all play an integral part in ensuring that Australians have access to the new medicines, vaccines and treatments they need, when they need them,” she said.

The appointment of the new Board members follows a formal election process, with nine nominees for the four vacancies.

CEO of Medicines Australia, Elizabeth de Somer thanked all those who took part.

“The significant interest in joining the Board and the closeness of the results, is a powerful sign of the industry’s willingness to make lasting changes for the benefit of Australian patients,” said Ms de Somer.

“Medicines Australia has a busy year ahead with the implementation of our Strategic Agreement, the upcoming HTA (Health Technology Assessment) Review and a new Minister for Health following the Federal Election. The experience of the new Directors will be a tremendous asset to our Board, and I look forward to working with them to deliver significant outcomes for patients and the industry in 2022,” she added.

Chair, Dr Lavelle reiterated her thanks to recent and outgoing Board members including Deputy Chair Liz Chatwin (AstraZeneca), Christi Kelsey (GSK), Leah Goodman (Merck) and Michael Azrak (MSD) for their significant contributions to the Medicines Australia Board, the biopharmaceutical industry and the Australian community.

“It has been an honour to work closely alongside Liz, Christi, Leah and Michael. Their commitment and determination have made a real difference to the health of Australians. We now welcome our new Directors Adam, Ashraf, Kylie and Patrick who will help us write the next chapter of our journey”, she said.

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For media enquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au

Australians deserve fast access to the latest medicines, vaccines and treatments

28 January 2022: Medicines Australia recommends the Australian Government delivers a plan to shorten the time that patients wait for access to the latest innovative medicines, vaccines and treatments.

In its 2022-23 Pre-Budget Submission, Medicines Australia has asked for firm investment in healthcare and a commitment to improve our health system for all Australians.

“Australia’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis is going to rely on having a healthy population. We want Australians to live long, healthy lives and that can only be achieved through a reliable investment in healthcare and faster access to the latest innovative and breakthrough medicines,” said Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer.

As shown during the COVID-19 pandemic, slow access to the latest innovative medicines, vaccines and treatments profoundly impacts the economy and people’s health.

“Never have we seen medical research move forward at such speed,” said Ms de Somer. “The COVID-19 vaccines, and now COVID-19 treatments, are just the tip of the iceberg. Scientists and medical researchers are producing amazing advances in treatments for other serious diseases, and Australians deserve access to these therapies without delay.”

Australia’s healthcare system is strong, yet, when it comes to access to new medicines, Australians wait significantly longer than other similar countries. On average, over 60 per cent of medicines become available to patients within 6 months, compared to Australia’s 22 per cent. In its Pre-Budget Submission, Medicines Australia asks the Government to target a position in the top 5 of similar OECD countries for speed of access by 2027. Currently, Australia sits in the top 20.

“The biopharmaceutical industry has shown what can be achieved when we collaborate with Government and other stakeholders to support good health for Australians,” said Ms de Somer.

Medicines Australia also recommended in its Pre-Budget submission that the Government meet commitments and timeframes set out in the Strategic Agreement to deliver measurable improvements for patients that appropriately value the impact of new therapies.

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For media enquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au

Statement on the arrival of the Novavax vaccine and COVID-19 pills

20 January 2022: Medicines Australia welcomes the TGA’s provisional approval for the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine and the provisional approval for two medicines for the symptoms of COVID-19 (Pfizer’s ‘Paxlovid’ and Merck Sharp & Dohme’s ‘Lagevrio’).

“The Novavax vaccine, called ‘Nuvaxovid’, has now passed the TGA’s rigorous assessment and approval processes. Adding this vaccine to our arsenal is another step forward for Australia as we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic,” said CEO of Medicines Australia, Elizabeth de Somer.

The Novavax vaccine is the first protein COVID-19 vaccine to be approved in Australia, but the technology has been around for decades. Vaccines to prevent hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are both based on similar protein technology.

The TGA has also provisionally approved two oral COVID-19 treatments for Australia, ‘Paxlovid’ from Pfizer and ‘Lagevrio’ from Merck Sharp & Dohme. Both companies are members of Medicines Australia.

“Welcoming not one, but two new treatments for Australians who are suffering from the COVID-19 virus is another demonstration of pioneering medical technology,” said Ms de Somer.

The two treatments are oral medicines, the first of their kind, and will be available to Australian adults who are at risk of serious illness from the virus, building on the protection from COVID-19 vaccines.

Medicines Australia will continue to work closely with all our partners across healthcare to ensure Australians have access to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. 

For further information, visit the Department of Health website for accurate, evidence-based answers to questions about COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.

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For media enquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au