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Recognition for outstanding results in Medicines Australia’s Continuing Education Program

Recognition for outstanding results in Medicines Australia’s Continuing Education Program

19 March 2025: Medicines Australia congratulates the winners of last year’s Medicines Australia’s Continuing Education Program (CEP) Awards.

These annual Awards for individuals in the pharmaceutical and health sectors recognise outstanding results during the 2024 academic year of the Medicines Australia CEP.

There are three award categories:

  • The University of Tasmania (UTAS) Prize for Excellence Award – presented to one student per semester and only applies to programs that require submission of a written assignment.
  • The Code of Conduct Award – presented to one student who achieves the highest mark for Program 1: Medicines Australia Code of Conduct.
  • The CEP Award – presented to 10 students who achieve the 10 highest aggregate marks for five core programs.

CEO of Medicines Australia, Liz de Somer explained that the CEP is offered online through the UTAS and provides students with the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to ensure medical representatives meet recognised industry standards.

“Congratulations to all our award recipients on their outstanding achievements in 2024. Completing such an important course, and with such excellent results, is a testament of our award winners’ dedication and commitment to their profession,” Ms de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia said.

Long-An Lam from Pfizer Australia was awarded the UTAS Active Learning Prize for Semester 1, and Tejal Chauhan from AstraZeneca was awarded the UTAS Prize for Excellence Semester 2, together with a CEP Achievement Award.

“The Medicines Australia CEP provided me with invaluable insights into opportunities to further improve our engagements with all stakeholders across the Australian medicines sector. The understanding and context gained from the program promoted discussion and positive actions in working collaboratively to ensure the quality use of medicines in Australia,” Long-An Lam said on receiving the UTAS Active Learning Prize.

Tejal Chauhan said, “the Medicines Australia CEP has been instrumental in building my confidence and enhancing my ability to navigate industry regulations and ethical promotion. It has deepened my understanding of supporting healthcare professionals and patient outcomes with integrity. I’m grateful for the learning experience and the recognition of my commitment to continuous professional development.”

This year’s recipient of the Code of Conduct Award was Cathrynn Badenhorst from Novo Nordisk. “I was delighted to receive the Code of Conduct Achievement Award for Program 1. This course provided a thorough grounding in Medicines Australia Code of Conduct requirements and insights and was presented in a very practical and interactive way. Together with daily lived experience and support from amazing colleagues, the CEP has allowed me to adapt to the pharmaceutical industry very quickly,” Cathrynn Badenhorst said.

Ms de Somer said, “Thank you Medicines Australia member companies for investing in your teams by supporting this essential training and I congratulate everyone who has successfully completed the CEP over the past year.”

Full list of winners

  • Long-An Lam (Pfizer Australia) – UTAS Prize for Excellence Semester 1
  • Tejal Chauhan (AstraZeneca) – UTAS Prize for Excellence Semester 2 and CEP Achievement Award
  • Cathryn Badenhorst (Novo Nordisk) – Code of Conduct Achievement Award
  • Peter Lwin (previously GSK) – CEP Achievement Award
  • Victoria Cullen (previously GSK) – CEP Achievement Award
  • Joel Mannix (BeiGene) CEP Achievement Award
  • Yvonne Brown (Otsuka Australia) – CEP Achievement Award
  • Georgia Taylor (Pfizer Australia) – CEP Achievement Award
  • Navi Deol (GSK Australia) – CEP Achievement Award
  • Jamie Fowler (Servier Laboratories) – CEP Achievement Award
  • Sean Sheppard (Boehringer Ingelheim) – CEP Achievement Award
  • Miral Georgy (GSK Australia) – CEP Achievement Award

About the Continuing Education Program (CEP)

Medicines Australia’s Continuing Education Program (CEP) was launched in 1996 and is designed to educate medical representatives working within the prescription medicines industry, to a recognised industry standard.

The program is delivered by our education partner, University of Tasmania. Completion of the CEP is mandatory all medical representatives entering the Australian prescription pharmaceutical industry for the first time.

These courses are also recommended to people who may not be currently employed within the industry but would like to pursue a career as a medical representative.

Courses available include the Medicines Australia Code of Conduct, The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Industry, Human Anatomy and Physiology, an Introduction to Pharmacology, Product Information, Understanding Product Information, and Understanding Clinical Evidence.

More information is available on Medicines Australia’s website here.

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Media enquiries to: Anne-Marie Sparrow, Medicines Australia /Cube – media@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0417 421 560

AusBiotech and Medicines Australia gather industry leaders to accelerate action this International Women’s Day 

AusBiotech and Medicines Australia gather industry leaders to accelerate action this International Women’s Day 

7 March 2025: AusBiotech and Medicines Australia are partnering to deliver the annual Women in Life Sciences luncheon, bringing together 600 leaders from across the sector to celebrate the contribution of women in life sciences and call for accelerated action toward gender equity.  

For nearly a decade, AusBiotech and Medicines Australia have honoured the women who transform life sciences into a sector of innovation and profound impact for International Women’s Day. This year’s luncheon highlights the significant contributions of women in Australia’s life sciences and offers a powerful platform for celebration and networking, while also recognising that there’s more to be done for women in positions of senior leadership.  

Aligned with the IWD 2025 theme Accelerate Action, the luncheon will feature a panel conversation focusing on the need for equal opportunity at all levels within the industry. As the sector grows, ensuring gender balance in leadership positions remains paramount.  

This year’s panel moderated by AusBiotech CEO Rebekah Cassidy, will explore the challenges and opportunities for women in leadership roles. The distinguished panel includes research, policy, governance, investment, and advocacy experts:  

  • Dr Saraid Billiards, CEO, Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes 
  • Christine Cockburn, CEO, Rare Cancers Australia 
  • Naomi Edwards FAICD, Chair, Australian Institute of Company Directors 
  • Dr Terence Fitzsimmons, Managing Director, Australian Gender Equality Council 
  • Dr Rebecca McQualter, CEO, Chimeric Therapeutics 
  • Chris Newton, Founder, Stakeholder Capital 

AusBiotech CEO Rebekah Cassidy said, “What a privilege it is to be part of the annual Women in Life Sciences luncheon hosted by AusBiotech and Medicines Australia. Not only are we bringing together some of our country’s most influential female life science leaders and celebrating the contributions of women in our sector, but we will also recognise ongoing challenges and have data-led conversations about opportunities to accelerate action.”  

“The quality of conversation today with our distinguished panel promises to be both insightful and impactful, sparking a deeper, ongoing dialogue on the critical issues shaping the future of the sector and the opportunities for greater gender equity in leadership.” 

Elizabeth de Somer Medicines Australia CEO added, “Medicines Australia is delighted to partner with AusBiotech again to host the Women in Life Sciences luncheon, where we will explore the challenges and opportunities for women in leadership roles, as well learn the importance of mentors and sponsors in accelerating action to close gender gaps across the life sciences sector.” 

“Women play a crucial role in Australia’s life sciences sector, driving groundbreaking research and innovation, and public healthcare advancements. The diverse perspectives and leadership foster more inclusive discoveries and equitable medical solutions. We must make decisive steps to achieve a more equitable and inclusive working environment.” 

The 2025 WILS Luncheon promises to be an inspiring and impactful event, shining a spotlight on the women who are advancing the life sciences sector and driving change. This year, the Luncheon not only celebrates their accomplishments but also sets the stage for future actions to ensure that the next generation of women leaders can rise to new heights in the sector. 

Media inquiries:
Anne-Marie Sparrow, Medicines Australia /Cube / 0417 421 560 / media@medicinesaustralia.com.au
Emma Boscheinen, AusBiotech / 0437 075 209 / eboscheinen@ausbiotech.org




New explainer videos to educate Australians about the PBS

New explainer videos to educate Australians about the PBS

12 December 2024: Medicines Australia has developed two new explainer videos to educate Australians about the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and the regulatory and reimbursement process.

The first video explains how the PBS works, its history, and the delays that Australians experience in accessing new medicines through the PBS. 

The second video outlines how medicines are developed, and the process they go through in Australia to be registered by the TGA and then listed on the PBS.

Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said there is low awareness in Australia about how the PBS works and its limitations.

“The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and the systems that sit behind it, including the Health Technology Assessment, are complex and opaque. This was highlighted through the HTA review and called out in its final report as one of the drivers for reform,” Ms de Somer said.

“As we move into HTA implementation, and advocate for the full package of reforms identified by the Review, people need to understand why reforms are needed.”

“We know that Australians value the PBS but most people are not aware there is a delay of 466 days on average from the time a new medicine is approved for use by the TGA to when it is made available on the PBS. Many people also don’t realise that some medicines don’t come to Australia at all because of the complexities of our systems.”

“These short videos have been developed as a hook to begin explaining to Australians what the problem is and why change is needed. It’s important that more people understand the time and expense that goes into research and development, and the steps that companies go through to have a medicine approved for use in Australia and then made available through the PBS.”

The videos will be used as part of the Stronger PBS campaign and will be promoted on social media channels and other digital platforms over the coming months.

The videos were created by Elastic Group and are available at www.medicinesaustralia.com.au

View the videos on YouTube:

About the PBS

How medicines get from the lab to you

Australians rank access to affordable healthcare as second most important priority after cost of living: survey

Australians rank access to affordable healthcare as second most important priority after cost of living: survey

4 December 2024: Access to affordable healthcare, including fast access to new medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), is the second most important priority for Australians behind cost of living, data from the latest Mood of the Nation survey by SEC Newgate shows.

The survey of 1,611 Australians found 68% believe the Government should be investing more to ensure quality affordable healthcare for all Australians and rank it as the second most important priority behind reducing cost increases for household bills and other essential expenses.

Nearly three quarters of Australians (74%) believe the Government should subside the best medicines available, even if it means more of a cost to taxpayers.

Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said the results show access to medicines remains an extremely important issue for Australians and investing in a stronger PBS makes sense for the economy and the health of the nation.

“This survey shows Australians want to see more investment in the PBS. We know Australians are very concerned about their health today, as it links to their employment, financial security and quality of life,” Ms de Somer said.

“The Mood of the Nation survey shows a higher number of Australians are very concerned about access to medicines, and more people are realising our Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and the systems that sit behind are not keeping pace with medical advances.”

More than half of Australians (57%) rate access to the most appropriate form of medication for their circumstances as their main priority when it comes to medicines, such as a tablet, liquid, injection or other form. Around one in five (18%) rate access to the latest medicines as most important.

In addition, 11% of respondents were unable to access the medicine they need through the PBS.

“Policy makers need to start viewing the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme as an investment in health, wellbeing and productivity. We need to look at the productivity gains medicines offer, potential savings in other areas of the health system, and the full impact of those gains on society when determining if medicine should be made available on the PBS. This includes how we assess and value different forms of medicines.”

“Australians believe it is reasonable to expect to be able to access the most appropriate medicine available for their condition when they need it. It’s clear taxpayers want to see more investment in healthcare and medicines and want to see new medicines subsidised faster.”

Additional survey results

– 68% of Australians believe the Government should be investing more to ensure quality affordable healthcare for all Australians. This is considered the second highest national priority, behind reducing cost increases for household bills and other essential expenses (76%).

-Investing more in healthcare ranked ahead of interest rates, rental property affordability, and addressing violence in the community.

-In response to how people are impacted by the rising cost of living, 15% said they have been unable to pay for needed medical expenses.

-In the last six months, Australians were most likely to have experienced difficulty:
getting an appointment when they needed one (36%)
affording the cost of health and medical services (35%)
experiencing long waiting lists for services they needed (32%)

One in four (26%) experienced difficulty affording the cost of medicines, with renters (34%), women (29%) and those aged 18-34 (33%) more likely to have had difficulty.

About the survey
The Mood of the Nation survey by SEC Newgate included 1,611 Australians aged 18+. Quotas are set on gender, age and location to achieve an accurate representation of the nation. Data is weighted to ABS Census population statistics on age, gender, location and occupation. This survey was in the field from 10-14 September 2024.

Media enquiries to Kate McKeown, Senior Manager Communications and Media – kate.mckeown@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0408 775 288.

It’s time to get on with Health Technology Assessment reform

It’s time to get on with Health Technology Assessment reform

3 December 2024: Medicines Australia acknowledges the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), and the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC), have backed Health Technology Assessment (HTA) reform in letters released today.

Now this formal step has been completed, it is time to get on with implementation and Medicines Australia calls on the Government to facilitate a meeting of the independent HTA Implementation Advisory Group before the end of the year.

“The PBAC has already had significant input into the HTA reform agenda,” Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said.

“The previous PBAC Chair, Andrew Wilson, was a member of the HTA Reference Committee. The PBAC presented to the Reference Committee. Now we have a letter confirming the need for reform. It’s time to get on with implementation.”

“Comments from the PBAC Chair in the letter about the safety and efficacy of new medicines are concerning. We have a high-quality system of registration through the TGA and Australians can have confidence in the medicines and treatments they have access to for their medical needs.”

“We agree careful implementation is required to achieve beneficial reform, and believe it is possible to be bold in our thinking. System reform is needed. ‘Incremental improvements’ as suggested by the PBAC will not ensure Australians can access the best medicines available as soon as possible after they are approved for use by the TGA. A delay of 466 days from the time of TGA-approval to when a medicine is reimbursed is too long.”

“HTA Reform should also not be pitched as a trade-off. It is about creating the best system for Australian patients now and into the future.”

“Now is the time to get moving with reform implementation. We have the reform blueprint and the support of patient organisations, clinicians, government and industry for system reform. There is no time to waste,” Ms de Somer said.

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Media enquiries to Kate McKeown, Senior Manager Communications and Media – kate.mckeown@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0408 775 288.

Collaboration and HTA reform are key to improving vaccination rates in Australia: Parliamentary Friends of Medicine Future of Vaccines event

Collaboration and HTA reform are key to improving vaccination rates in Australia: Parliamentary Friends of Medicine Future of Vaccines event

21 November 2024: Recognising the full value that vaccines deliver to society and ensuring equitable access to affordable vaccines will be crucial to increasing vaccination rates as a preventive measure to fight diseases in Australia, experts have told Parliamentarians this week.

The Parliamentary Friends of Medicine ‘Future of Vaccines’ event, co-Chaired by the Hon. Dr David Gillespie MP and Dr Mike Freelander MP and hosted by Medicines Australia’s Vaccines Industry Group, examined existing and emerging infectious diseases, novel vaccines in development, and the barriers and opportunities to vaccine access and uptake in Australia.

Reflecting on his experience as a paediatrician earlier in his career, Dr Freelander said thousands of children suffered from measles and polio before affordable vaccines were available.

“We have forgotten what it’s like to have widespread infectious disease in the community,” he said.

Dr Andrew Minton, CEO of the Immunisation Coalition discussed changing perceptions and value of vaccines by Australians and declining vaccination rates, with new research showing vaccination rates among children in Australia have declined for the third consecutive year, and protection against influenza and shingles declining in adults.1

“There is misinformation about the effectiveness of vaccines, access issues in regional and remote Australia, cultural consideration, language barriers and post COVID-19 fatigue. We need factual, clear messaging repeatedly to target groups who are high at risk to address these key issues,” Dr Minton said.

Professor Terry Nolan AO FAHMS, a paediatrician and clinical epidemiologist discussed the importance of recognising the full value and benefit of vaccines, particularly as new vaccines become available.

“The so-called post-COVID vaccine hesitancy in Australia is less a result of diminished trust in the vaccines themselves, and more a growing indifference and resistance to their perceived potential benefits both by consumers and healthcare professionals,” Prof Nolan said.

“During the next five years, it is possible that we will see a number of new vaccines that will address conditions we may not have even imagined a few years ago. The HTA Review has highlighted near-term achievable improvement in our processes, with nearly halving of the time required for a funding decision.”

Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said collaboration and getting on with HTA Reform are key to improving vaccination rates in Australia.

“Immunisation is key to primary health. We know that preventing illness and reducing transmission of communicable diseases reduces costs in other areas of the health system.”

“It is important Government, industry and other stakeholders work together to address declining vaccination rates given the significant benefit that vaccines provide society, from improved health and wellbeing to productivity and the overall economy.”

“Prior to COVID, vaccination rates were increasing, so we know the decline in trust is relatively new and can be rebuilt.”
“Delays in making new vaccines available on the NIP are also costing the nation. The HTA Review has made clear recommendations to improve the time it takes for vaccines to be assessed and made available on the National Immunisation Program.”

“The current delay from TGA registration to PBS listing of vaccines is an average time of 1,375 days or nearly four years, which is unacceptable. It’s time to get on with HTA reform.”

Footnote: 1 – Annual Immunisation Coverage Report 2023, National Centre for Immunisation research and Surveillance Australia, https://ncirs.org.au/ongoing-decline-childhood-immunisation-rates-sparks-concerns

Media enquiries to Kate McKeown, Senior Manager Communications and Media – kate.mckeown@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0408 775 288.

Medicines Australia welcomes announcement of HTA Implementation Advisory Group and two industry representatives

Medicines Australia welcomes announcement of HTA Implementation Advisory Group and two industry representatives

20 November 2024: Medicines Australia welcomes the announcement of the independent HTA Reform Implementation Advisory Group and the appointment of CEO Liz de Somer and Board Deputy Chair Anne Harris as industry’s representatives.

“The independent Implementation Advisory Group announced today by Minister Butler is a step forward in progressing HTA reform, and will enable Australia to get on with fixing our broken system so patients can access new medicines without unnecessary delay,” Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said.

“As Chair, Prof Andrew Wilson AO will bring unparalleled experience and understanding of the challenges in our current HTA system, and his collaborative, solution-focused approach will be needed as we move through the complexities.”

“I’m pleased to join Prof Wilson in providing consistency from the HTA Review reference committee, which will be crucial to guiding the intent of the review’s recommendations is carried through reform implementation.”

“The appointment of a second industry representative, Medicines Australia Deputy Chair Anne Harris, is greatly welcomed and recognises the significant time investment required to deliver this important package of reforms.”

“Anne is highly regarded across the industry, and will bring unique insight and extensive experience to the discussions.”

“We also welcome the inclusion of the enhanced consumer engagement framework in the remit of the Implementation Advisory Group, and strong consumer representation in the group.”

“With an election looming, it is important that we now get to work in developing an implementation plan and timelines, and commence the co-design work that is needed to deliver these reforms.”

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Media enquiries to Kate McKeown, Senior Manager Communications and Media – kate.mckeown@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0408 775 288.

Horizon scanning is an important part of the solution to fixing Australia’s HTA

Horizon scanning is an important part of the solution to fixing Australia’s HTA

15 November 2024: A robust horizon scanning process, as recommended by the HTA Review, will help to prepare Australia’s regulatory and reimbursement systems for advances in therapies and medical breakthroughs.

Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said creating an effective horizon scanning process would underpin a flexible and responsive HTA system, provide greater visibility to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) of new treatments coming to the market, and ultimately reduce delays to patient access. 

“Inadequate horizon scanning over the last decade has contributed to the situation Australia is in today, where science and innovation has significantly outpaced our system for reimbursement of the latest innovations and weakened the PBS, to the detriment of patients,” Ms de Somer said.

“We know from the HTA Review there are some 1,300 new cell and gene therapies in development right now that will be available in the next few years – only 7 are currently registered in Australia.”

“From the presentations at our Horizon Scanning Forum held earlier in the year, we know that only 19 novel antimicrobials have been registered for use in the EU and/ or the US since 2011 and of those, only three are registered in Australia.”

“We know there are new vaccines in development, new technologies to prevent infectious diseases, and new AI diagnostics for neurological diseases.”  

“Digital technology is accelerating the pace of research and development, and we are now in an era of unprecedented innovations within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.”

“The PBAC is already struggling with increased numbers of submissions and complexity of medicines being assessed. This is only going to increase. This is a symptom of a broken system that needs urgent reform, and the visibility that horizon scanning provides must be part of the solution.”

The HTA Review identified the need for Australia to establish and resource a horizon scanning function that improves stakeholder engagement in considering the implications of new and emerging health technologies and support healthcare forward planning and priority setting by healthcare payers.

“We need to get on with HTA reform so new therapies entering the market today can be assessed in a timely manner and made available to Australians through the PBS quickly.”  

View the 2024 Horizon Scanning Forum report

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Media enquiries to Kate McKeown, Senior Manager Communications and Media – kate.mckeown@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0408 775 288.

Additional PBAC meeting announced so patients can access lifechanging medicines

Additional PBAC meeting announced so patients can access lifechanging medicines

6 November 2024: The announcement today by the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Mark Butler MP, that the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee will now hold an additional meeting in 2025 to address the immediate backlog of PBAC submissions is welcomed by industry. There should not be a delay in patients accessing life changing innovative medicines.

Medicines Australia has been in discussions with the Government over the last 10 days to prevent the cascade of consequences that would follow the PBAC’s deferral of 45 submissions that were due to be considered in March.

Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said the situation should never have occurred and is pleased common sense has prevailed.

“Minister Butler has made the right call today. An additional meeting is required so patients can access the latest innovative medicines as soon as possible.”

“It is disappointing patients and industry were put in this situation without effective consultation. Australians already wait on average 466 days from the time a medicine is approved for use by the TGA to when it is made available on the PBS, which is significantly longer that comparable countries. Patients should not have to wait even longer because of a meeting schedule.”

“Proper consultation could have circumvented the need to involve the Minister and alarm patients who are waiting for access to lifesaving and life-changing medicines.”

Medicines Australia calls on the Government alongside the PBAC, to now act on reforming the system, so this situation is not repeated. There must be:

– Reform of the processes to speed up the back-end administrative processes following positive recommendations from the additional meeting to ensure later consideration is fully mitigated and patients and industry are not disadvantaged by PBAC delays.

– A review of the current list of medicine evaluators engaged by the PBAC and an expansion of the panel of evaluators so there is appropriate surge capacity to deal with consideration of new medicines as they are submitted.

– More meetings built into the annual PBAC meeting schedule noting the increasing complexity of medicines being assessed and the time take to fully assess their inclusion on the PBS.

– Health Technology Assessment reform to deal with the innovative and exciting pipelines of new medicines coming to Australia for Australian patients, avoid unnecessary resubmissions and streamline decision making.

“It is patients – taxpayers – who are impacted the most when PBS decisions are delayed. The HTA Review has demonstrated Australians do not receive timely access to new medicines. This does not need to be exacerbated by PBAC deferring consideration of new medicines in 2025. We thank the Minister for stepping in as we know he understands what delays to access can mean for Australians,” said Ms de Somer.

Media enquiries to Kate McKeown, Senior Manager Communications and Media – kate.mckeown@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0408 775 288.

Sector leader departs as Medicines Australia Chair

Sector leader departs as Medicines Australia Chair

31 October 2024: Dr Anna Lavelle AM FTSE has announced her departure as Chair of Medicines Australia, having been Chair since 2018 and an independent Director since 2017. She has been the driver of Medicines Australia’s governance improvements and strategic positioning with the Federal Government throughout that tenure.

“Medicines Australia placed great faith in me as independent Chair and I have worked hard to deliver on their expectations,” Dr Lavelle said.

“Balancing the needs of a competitive industry with the policy goals of government brings many challenges. Medicines Australia has worked hard to place itself in a very strong position to negotiate with all parts of government and key stakeholders, including patient advocates. I am very proud to have contributed to our reputational, strategic and operational achievements.”

Dr Lavelle was well placed to fulfil the role of Medicines Australia Chair as her background spans scientific research, academia, health service provision, policy change and executive management. Her last executive role was as CEO of AusBiotech for 11 years, rounded off a curriculum vitae that cemented her reputation as a strong and visionary advocate.

For her career contributions Dr Lavelle has been recognised by Nature Scientific America, World Vision as the only Australian to be in the top 100 global biotechnology visionaries (2015), was made a Fellow of the Academy of Science Technology and Engineering in 2014 and received the Industry Leader award from Johnson and Johnson and AusBiotech in 2018 and the Women in Leadership award in 2019 from BioMelbourne Network. Dr Lavelle was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women as a trailblazer in 2022. In 2023 Dr Lavelle was appointed to the Order of Australia receiving an AM in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Dr Lavelle said: “It has been both challenging and rewarding to lead Medicines Australia during a period of change and in a complex environment, including during the COVID pandemic when the community learned so much about the value of pharmaceuticals to their health and life. The pharmaceutical sector responded vigorously to that challenge by supplying vaccines that saved lives.”

“It has been an honour to work with Directors, the Medicines Australia Executive in particular the CEO, Liz de Somer and member companies. We hold a united goal to improve the speed and choice of medicines for patients as well as better recognise the value of innovation created by companies.”

Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said Dr Lavelle has made an outstanding contribution to the industry.  

“Dr Lavelle has been a fearless leader throughout her career, combining extensive understanding of Australia’s medicines and biotechnology policies plus a deep understanding of medical research,” Ms de Somer said.

“Her unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes and quality of life is resolute. Medicines Australia was extremely fortunate to have Dr Lavelle as Chair and on behalf of the pharmaceutical industry we congratulate her for her impactful contribution to the sector.”

“On a personal note, Anna has been an incredible support and mentor to me on taking the role of CEO, and I look forward to continuing my friendship with her,” Ms de Somer said.

Dr Lavelle advised the Board of Medicines Australia that she would complete her tenure in Q1 2025 and looks forward to providing assistance for the induction of the incoming Chair in the new year.

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Media enquiries to Kate McKeown, Senior Manager Communications and Media – kate.mckeown@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0408 775 288.