Medicines Australia has today welcomed the COVID-19 tracking app COVIDSafe, which will help keep the community safe from further spread of coronavirus through early notification of possible exposure.

“This app is crucial during these challenging times – for those fighting COVID-19 in our hospitals and in order to protect the most vulnerable within our communities,” said Elizabeth de Somer, CEO Medicines Australia.

“The innovative pharmaceutical industry strongly supports the Federal Government’s efforts to improve tracing of COVID-19.

“The app is an important milestone on the road to recovery, reopening the economy and will lead to a relaxation in social distancing restrictions,” she said.

The health initiative uses technology to automate and improve what state and territory health officials already do manually.

“Contact tracing is a slow and manual process, which puts the community at risk for further disease spread while tracing takes place. This app will enhance the ability to respond quickly to COVID-19 outbreaks and contain the spread of the virus.

“Digital health tools like this app are becoming commonplace in today’s healthcare landscape. As will all digital health apps, information is strictly controlled and maintained.

“I encourage those within the innovative pharmaceutical industry, both employers and employees to get behind this initiative and download the app,” Ms de Somer adds.

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

Medicines Australia has today reiterated the critical need for continued and transparent collaboration to support the ongoing and responsible management of Australia’s vital medicines supplies and proposes a ‘Five Critical Medicine Supply Priorities’ to enhance and extend supply processes in place.

“It is our priority, to ensure every Australian has access to their vital medicines across the nation during these challenging times – for those fighting COVID-19 in our hospitals and those in the community living with chronic and ongoing health conditions,” said Elizabeth de Somer, CEO Medicines Australia.

“We have been deeply concerned to hear reports of patients being unable to access their brands of medicines during this crisis. We want to reassure patients their medicines are our first priority and we are working extremely closely with Government  and those involved in Australia’s medicine supply chain to do everything we can to manage our supplies –  it’s our 24×7 focus to identify, manage and mitigate potential shortages,” Ms de Somer adds.

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed the global and Australian supply of medicines under pressure over the past month. Stockpiling and high demands for medicines together with ensuring the effective and efficient movement of medicines into and around the country has resulted in surges in certain medicines and management challenges for all involved.

Medicines Australia reinforces the following ‘Five Critical Medicine Supply Priorities’ to reinforce and extend medicine supply strategies in place for the immediate short-term (next two months) as elective surgery recommences and more Australians return to their more regular doctor interactions:

1. Reinforce No Stockpiling or Panic Buying. Stockpiling or panic buying of medicines must not take place. This causes unnecessary surges and spikes in demand for medicine supplies – which can result in out of stocks if large orders are fulfilled.  This must be reinforced as elective surgery recommences and more regular interactions with healthcare professionals returns.
2. Ensure Monthly Quantities Prescribed and Dispensed During COVID-19. It is important for medicines to be prescribed in quantities that cover a patient’s immediate needs, as we respond to the COVID-19 crisis.
3. Prioritise the Movement and Distribution of Medicines. The movement of medicines into the country and distribution around our nation must be prioritised now. We thank the Government for their support in helping to bring medicines into the country with support on airfreight, and wholesalers who are moving medicines to pharmacies and hospitals. We thank pharmacists for managing dispensing pressure and helping with home delivery needs and we thank Australia Post for giving further home delivery support.
4. Provide Clear Public Information on the Medicines Shortage Lists and Protocols to Manage Shortages. We have asked government to introduce greater clarity for patients to the lists of medicines it currently publishes. In addition, greater detail on what measures are implemented should a national shortage occur – so that healthcare professionals and patients clearly understand the comprehensive protocols in place and what they need to do.
5. Encourage Patient Interactions with their Doctor and Pharmacist. We know patients are feeling anxious and actively encourage them to interact with their doctor and pharmacist to discuss their concerns with any of their medicines. Patients can also reach out directly to the manufacturer.

“It’s important now for everyone involved in the supply of medicines to Australians to continue work together to ensure access to our vital medicines is managed responsibly and equitably across the country,” adds Elizabeth de Somer.

“It is not the time for diversions or exercises that don’t bring solutions – it’s about getting on with it and ensuring we are directing all of our efforts to the task as a fully functioning, productive team.”

The Australian innovative pharmaceutical industry’s commitment to Australian patients is:

• To responsibly manage the supply of medicines in the supply chain, to ensure medicines are equitably and safely distributed to our hospitals and the community.
• To transparently and openly work with the government and the supply chain participants to identify areas of concern to pre-empt and mitigate shortages affecting patients.
• To actively support clear, accurate and timely information to Australian patients, their carers and their families over the availability of their vital medicines to help allay concerns and reduce fear during this difficult period.
• To actively support the healthcare professional community to ensure they are aware and understand supply challenges in a proactive and constructive manner.
• To strengthen our supply chain capacity and resilience in response to the crisis.

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

Medicines Australia welcomes the landmark global collaboration announced today that brings together critical health organisations and stakeholders, including the biopharmaceutical industry, to accelerate the development, production and equitable global access to new COVID-19 essential health technologies.

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA), the body representing the innovative biopharmaceutical industry, will join the global collaboration as a founding partner to represent industry.

Medicines Australia Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth de Somer said: “This collaborative partnership represents an extremely important global milestone in the fight against COVID-19 and the biopharmaceutical industry is very pleased to be a critical contributor to this important initiative.

“Time is of the essence now and focusing all of our efforts, our knowledge and expertise will help facilitate rapid progress in uncovering safe and effective solutions to this global health crisis,” said Ms de Somer.

“Our industry has been working tirelessly to uncover COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccines.  And we welcome the opportunity to apply our significant expertise in research and development, clinical trials and importantly large scale manufacturing and distribution capacity to help solve this crisis,” she adds.

At the present time the World Health Organization states at least 70 COVID-19 vaccines are in development, while scientists at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) suggest there may be as many as 115.

The international collaboration includes the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Interventions, Gavi – The Vaccine Alliance, Global Fund, UNITAID, Wellcome Trust, World Health Organisation and IFPMA.

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For further information please contact Natalie Wimmer – nwimmer@medaus.com.au – 0450 728 660

Medicines Australia welcomes today’s announcement by Prime Minister the Hon Scott Morrison that elective surgery will “gradually restart” from next week following nearly a month of suspension – but urges increased concurrent attention on Australia’s chronic health care needs to help reduce a significant post COVID-19 health hangover.

Medicines Australia CEO Elizabeth de Somer said the restarting of elective surgery was a great sign of the road out from COVID-19 but believes general healthcare must now be an area of focus.

“While elective surgery is extremely important, we have seen a marked drop-off in pathology testing and GP visits as a result of COVID-19. The pathology sector alone has seen a 40 per cent drop in routine pathology testing in recent weeks, meaning over 60,000 Australians every day are not getting the tests they need,” said Ms de Somer.

“Not maintaining the nation’s regular health priorities may have catastrophic consequences – for instance taking backward steps in managing diseases like diabetes, or the difference between a stage two and stage four cancer diagnosis.

“Hospitals, GPs and pathology centres are well equipped to comply with the rigorous COVID-19 hygiene practices and telehealth measures are actively in place. I strongly urge patients and carers to continue with their regular consultations, tests and care arrangements – so we don’t generate a significant back-log as our social distancing measures are relaxed,” she said.

The decision by the National Cabinet on elective surgery will see restrictions eased on about 25 per cent of activity in elective surgery in private and public hospitals.

This includes procedures like IVF, screening programmes, cancer reconstructions, and joint replacements.

The pharmaceutical industry stands ready to support hospitals and healthcare workers as they recommence elective surgeries.

“Pharmaceutical manufacturers have worked with wholesalers, hospitals and the Federal Government to ensure there are supplies of medicines and products needed for surgery as it recommences,” said Ms de Somer.

“This includes increasing the supply of critical care medicines and protective equipment for hospital workers as well as diagnostics and devices like ventilators.

“As an industry we have also been working very closely with patient groups on ways to best communicate the importance of maintaining continuity of care.

“Right now, we need to ensure Australians are as healthy as possible with this challenging backdrop in order to lessen the effects of COVID-19 and to minimise the future long-term health hangover that will impact our hospital and healthcare system potentially slowing down our recovery,” concludes Ms de Somer.

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

Medicines Australia is urging the Federal Government to ensure international air freight and commercial flights continue to operate so medicines and medicine supplies can continue to arrive into Australia – both for COVID-19 emergency needs and existing health conditions within the community.

“We have expressed our significant concerns with the proposed requirement for flight crews to self-isolate on arrival back to Australia,” states Elizabeth de Somer, CEO Medicines Australia. “As much as 60% of critical medicines arrive as cargo on passenger and freight planes and the unintended consequence of these proposed measures would have an immediate impact on our critical medicines and medical supplies arriving.”

“We do of course, appreciate that all necessary steps need to be taken to protect the flight crews – as essential workers in this unique situation,” said Ms de Somer.

“The supply of medicines to Australians who rely on them is the pharmaceutical industry’s priority. Companies are working round the clock to meet the expected and actual surges in demand of critical medicines due to COVID-19. However, we rely on the movement of planes and their crews in and out of Australia for this to occur,” she adds.

Australia receives its medicines from a wide range of manufacturing and production facilities around the world.  Each medicine is different with a distinct supply chain – based on its complexity, manufacturing, anticipated demand, shelf-life and storage needs.  This includes needs for cold chain storage for specific medicines like vaccines.

Medicines Australia is working closely with the Minister for Health on all matters relating to medicines supply in Australia. Notably with the Departments of Health, of Industry and of Trade on the maximisation of returning airfreight opportunities as part of the Government’s International Freight Assistance Mechanism.

“Working with the Government, the COVID-19 Commission, the AMA, and other industries who rely on international flights as a means of inventory transport is one of Australia’s highest priorities now together with safety of Australia’s flight crews and the management of flight arrivals back into Australia. We hope for a quick resolution and management strategies to address this very critical need,” concludes Ms de Somer.

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

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

Medicines Australia CEO Elizabeth de Somer has echoed calls by the Prime Minister Scott Morrison, for Australians to stop stockpiling medicine during the ongoing COVID pandemic.

“It is imperative, as an industry and as a nation, for us to employ every public health strategy and commit every effort to focus on COVID19 and help to protect and treat the community,” said Ms de Somer.

“Those living in the community with health conditions and illnesses must – like the elderly – be our focus. Ensuring they continue to receive their medicines and the care they need on a daily basis has our utmost attention.

“Member companies of Medicines Australia and their global counterparts – are working tirelessly to eradicate COVID19 – to increases diagnostic capability, develop a vaccine and find effective treatments.  We hope this focus will generate success in the coming months. Each step forward will be shared.

“In the meantime, ensuring Australians requiring regular, essential medicine and care are able to continue to receive treatment – is our utmost priority,” said Ms de Somer.

Medicines Australia is working with the Department of Health and TGA to ensure supply of essential medicines are maintained and measures are in place to minimise the potential for shortages.

Ms de Somer reiterated the pharmaceutical industry’s robust supply chain.

“Medicines companies keep 4-6 months of stock, and sometimes more, in the country at all times, based on normal demand needs, and are now monitoring and updating stock levels on a daily basis.

“Pharmacies and wholesalers are working quickly to restock pharmacy shelves when their supplies are sold. Patients can help themselves, pharmacists and the broader community by not stockpiling medicines that they do not need right now and will not use.,” Ms de Somer said.

“In the event of shortages, this will be communicated at all medical, hospital and pharmacy levels, and plans are in place to identify suitable clinical alternatives if they are needed.” said Ms de Somer.

For more information about medicines shortages, please visit: https://apps.tga.gov.au/Prod/msi/search?shortagetype=All

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More information: Natalie Wimmer – Manager, Media and Communications – nwimmer@medaus.com.au – 0450 728 660

Medicines Australia CEO Elizabeth de Somer has welcomed today’s announcement by the deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly introducing limits on dispensing certain prescription medicines and other pharmaceutical products such as Ventolin and children’s Panadol to address unnecessary panic purchasing at community pharmacies.

Medicines Australia CEO, Ms Elizabeth de Somer said: “It’s important to stress that there are no shortages of medicines and no need to stock up with more than your usual supply of medicines.

“These measures will ensure that medicines can be supplied in an equitable way to all patients that need them, and will ensure that our most vulnerable will continue have access to these medicines when they need them,” she said.

“We encourage all Australians to take the advice of the Chief Medical Officer and the Government as we all work together through the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Panic buying like we have recently seen will deplete stocks and create local shortages which creates supply chain disruption at a larger level.

“This is an emerging situation and one we may be dealing with for some time. Prudent management of our medicines supply now will assist in the long-term maintenance of our supply chain,” said Ms de Somer.

The restrictions include:

• pharmacists will be required to limit dispensing of certain prescription products to one months’ supply at the prescribed dose, and some over-the-counter medicines (i.e Ventolin) to a maximum of one unit per purchase. (Click here)
• in addition, pharmacists will be strongly encouraged to limit dispensing of all other medicines to one months’ supply or one unit.
• Pharmacists will be required to place some over-the-counter medicines ie children’s paracetamol formulations behind the counter to assist in allocating supply equitably.

For more information about medicines shortages, please visit: https://apps.tga.gov.au/Prod/msi/search?shortagetype=All

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

Medicines Australia welcomes Government’s COVID-19 package

Medicines Australia welcomes the $2.4 billion COVID-19 health package announced by the Prime Minister Scott Morrison yesterday.

Medicines Australia CEO Elizabeth de Somer said the comprehensive assistance package will help Australian researchers to be at the forefront of the drive to develop both treatments and a vaccine.

“The government has recognised the importance of supporting research in this critical area, with an allocation of $30 million from the Medical Research Future Fund for vaccine, anti-viral and respiratory medicine research,” said Ms de Somer.

“Medicines Australia and our members are actively working with researchers on a range of initiatives involved in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and vaccination against coronavirus (COVID-19) both domestically and globally.

“As an industry, and individually we are also working with the Government, Department of Health and the TGA to ensure vaccination or treatment options can be brought to those who need them quickly and efficiently,” added Ms de Somer.

The government has also allocated funding towards adding additional antibiotics and anti-virals to the National Medicines Stockpile to ensure secondary infections can be treated quickly

“This, however, is not a reflection of the current medicines supply situation in Australia but will ensure we have good stocks going forward,” said Ms de Somer.

“The impact of significant national crises does place pressure on such things as the medicines supply chain, particularly as Australia relies heavily on importation of medicines and domestic manufacturing is limited, but Australia has a very robust medicines supply chain.

“Medicines Australia and the medicines industry is actively working with the Government and the TGA to ensure that this supply chain remains uninterrupted.

“There is no need to stockpile medicines, doing so could create artificial perception of a shortage where there is not one,” added Ms de Somer.

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More information – Natalie Wimmer 0450728660 nwimmer@medaus.com.au

Today, Friday 7 February 2020, Medicines Australia appeared before Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth Inquiry into supporting Australia’s exports and attracting investment.

Medicines Australia CEO Ms Elizabeth de Somer said this inquiry provides a timely opportunity to reiterate how the Australian innovative medicines, biotherapeutics and vaccines industry can grow Australia’s exports and strengthen trade and investment to build a stronger and more resilient economy.

“There is a real and valuable opportunity to boost the contribution of Australia’s innovative medicines industry, encouraging foreign investment and trade, thus driving economic growth and prosperity.

“To increase foreign investment in Australia’s innovative medicines sector, the Government needs to better incentivise R&D, ensure intellectual property provisions are strong and competitive and harmonise the regulatory frameworks for clinical trials.

“Australia has an advantage over other regional centres because of the high quality and reliability of our health care system, the extraordinary talent in our scientists, researchers and clinicians, first class hospitals and medical infrastructure, as well as reliable rules of law and internationally recognised regulatory practices.

“However, the opportunities we are missing arise from such things as fragmented and onerous regulatory barriers for clinical research across the states and territories and lack of recognition of how to harness the potential,” said Ms de Somer.

“Clinical trials capacity and capability, as well as our talent for discovering, developing and delivering advanced technologies and services, which could be offered regionally, and globally, should be identified as an emerging export opportunity in the same way that education is considered a great Australian export,” she said.

During the inquiry, Ms de Somer highlighted how policy development, focused on growing Australia’s domestic capabilities and economic resilience, is needed and there is no better place to start than in clinical research and development.

“Any policies designed to encourage trade and investment must also ensure that all Australians continue to have access to high quality, safe, effective and cost-effective medicines and that Australia boosts our international competitiveness to incentivise the presence of industry,” said Ms de Somer.

“The potential opportunities for trade and investment of innovative precision medicines will only be realised through reforms to domestic approval and funding models and under new international trade and investment frameworks.

“Investment growth in Australia will see improvements in R&D, increased exports and the employment of highly skilled Australians,” said Ms de Somer

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Further enquiries:

Natalie Wimmer,
Media and Communications Manager,
Medicines Australia
T:0450728660