Media Releases – Page 20 – Medicines Australia

Medicines Australia welcomes appointment of Chris Bowen as Shadow Minister for Health

Medicines Australia welcomes the appointment of the Hon Chris Bowen MP as Shadow Minister for Health.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer said Mr Bowen’s track-record as Treasurer and Shadow Treasurer will provide a strong foundation for success in the
all-important health portfolio.

“Mr Bowen understands the impact that investment in medicines can have, on an individual, the community and the economy and he has previously indicated his support of the pharmaceutical sector.

“His focus on mental health, suicide prevention, indigenous health and targeting areas of low income and poor health outcomes is a welcome one – these are big challenges that Australia faces, and rely on all facets of health to collaborate on solutions.

“Medicines Australia looks forward to working with Shadow Minister Bowen to ensure Australians have access to the latest in breakthrough medicines,” she said.

Medicines Australia also welcomes the appointment of the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP as Shadow Minister for Employment and Industry and as Shadow Minister for Science, Madeleine King MP as Minister for Trade, the Hon Julie Collins MP as the Shadow Minister for Minister for Ageing and Seniors and Clare O’Neil MP as Shadow Minister for Innovation, Technology and the Future of Work.

“The Albanese Shadow Ministry composition shows a desire to think toward the future of Australia, the composition of our workforce and our technological capabilities. The innovative pharmaceutical sector has the potential to be a key driver of our technological and manufacturing capabilities as a nation,” said Ms de Somer.

Medicines Australia would also like to acknowledge the important contribution that the Hon Catherine King MP made to the Shadow Health portfolio for the past six years.

“Ms King displayed a thorough understanding of the complex portfolio and a determination to hold the government to account to ensure new medicines are listed. Medicines Australia wishes Ms King well in her new role,” said Ms de Somer.

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More information – Natalie Wimmer – Communications Manager – 0450 728 660

Medicines Australia welcomes Morrison Government Ministry

Medicines Australia welcomes the appointment of the Morrison Government Ministry following the May 18 Federal Election.

With the recent confirmation that Prime Minister the Hon Scott Morrison MP will lead a majority government and today’s appointment of an experienced Ministry, Medicines Australia looks forward to working with members of the Ministry to provide stability and continuity for the continued investment of the innovative pharmaceutical sector and the research and development capabilities of Australia.

Medicines Australia CEO Elizabeth de Somer said: “In particular, Medicines Australia is delighted to see the continuation of the Hon Greg Hunt MP in the health portfolio as Minister for Health. Prime Minister Morrison has made the right call in keeping the critical portfolio of Health in the capable hands of Minister Hunt, as we continue to implement the improvements agreed under the 2017 Strategic Agreement, streamline processes and reduce delays in access to new and breakthrough medicines.

“Medicines Australia has enjoyed a positive working relationship with Minister Hunt, and we welcome the opportunity to reinforce our important work together to ensure the prompt implementation and delivery on the commitments made to the sector during their election campaign. This includes a review of the National Medicines Policy, long-awaited Clinical Trial reform, and reduced listing times and processes,” said Ms de Somer.

Medicines Australia also congratulates Senator the Hon Karen Andrews for her re-appointment as the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, the Hon Ken Wyatt MP for his promotion to the portfolio of Minister for Indigenous Australians and Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham on his reappointment as Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment.

“With a strong and stable government, including the reappointment of Ministers in central economic portfolios, such as Treasury and Finance, Medicines Australia looks forward to ensuring strong investment in the medicines that matter to all Australians, that keep patients out of hospital and contributing to the economic health and wealth of Australia,” said Ms de Somer.

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More information – Natalie Wimmer – Communications Manager – 0450 728 660

New findings confirm Australians place high value on the PBS, but acknowledge its shortfalls

Medicines Australia has released a nationwide survey of 2,000 Australian adults, conducted by Nielsen in November 2018, which confirms a very positive sentiment towards medicines and the PBS over and above other Government services. However, it also uncovers a need for greater education and awareness on how the PBS is funded by Government. Plus, how its ongoing future and timely access to new medicines can be sustained.

The majority of Australians place medicines (69%), medical research (65%) alongside hospitals and medical services (75%), public health services (70%), as priority areas for future funding¹. This is over and above other services, including welfare for the aged (64%), education (63%), and disability welfare (61%).
While most Australians (87%) believe government needs to allocate funding for the PBS, only one in five (22%) believe the PBS provides access to the most/widest range of medicines/high cost medicines.
Overwhelmingly, Australians (82%) agree breakthrough treatments should be added to the PBS faster to improve access for Australians who need them.
Similarly, the majority of Australians (85%) believe the PBS enables better outcomes for those who need it most¹. In future, they would like to see more subsidised medicines and treatment/therapies for those suffering from serious health issues.

The PBS was originally designed in 1948 to provide reliable, timely and affordable access to a wide range of medicines for all Australians.

More than 50 years on and the PBS remains a critical service within Australian healthcare delivery. But now it requires a renewed focus to ensure it evolves and offers the potential to support access to the newer innovations and breakthroughs now arriving – including personalised medicines and cell therapies like CAR-T.

Recent analyses show overall the long-term trend of PBS investment is in decline in real terms.[1] Data from the Department of Health shows actual spend on the PBS is just over half of its claimed $10.6 billion, equating to, on average, 4.5 new or expanded listings per month, not 30+.

While an estimated $331 million[2] commitment for new medicines under the PBS has been outlined in the most recent budget announcements, other areas of healthcare continue to receive significant investment. Pre-election commitments include a doubling in hospital investment from $13.3 billion in 2012–13 to $29.1 billion in 2024–25, while Medicare will attract an additional $6 billion in funding.

Australia, like many countries around the world is facing an aging population, an increased prevalence of chronic diseases and the need for timely access to care within a fiscally constrained environment.

These findings show Australians want future access to breakthrough medicines. What is critical is to balance this innovation and affordability with the expectations of Australians. This will challenge some of our long-standing healthcare policies. We only have to look at the evolution in precision medicine and the impact targeted therapies can have on health outcomes and costs.

Rather than isolate the PBS we need to look at the interconnected, holistic relationship between medicines and their wider benefits – how they help Australians live longer and healthier lives, stay in the workplace, keep out of hospital and positively contribute to the community and the economy.

Spending on prescription medicines remains a small percentage of total health care expenditure around the world[3], accounting for about 14% of total healthcare spend in the US and just 10% in Australia. Furthermore, growth in other health care services will be five times the total medicine spending growth through the next decade.²

Ensuring we retain a viable and effective PBS into the future is a critical priority,” concluded Liz de Somer. “Australians value the PBS and believe it needs to support access, so it’s important we address how we continue to meet these needs and ensure a balance of investment across all elements of healthcare delivery to achieve this.

^[1]2019-20 Medicines Australia Federal Budget Submission. Our choice for a healthier future

[2] Department of Health. Budget 2019-20

[3] Prescription Medicines: Costs in Context. 2019. PhRMA.

What do transformational shifts mean in terms of ultimate outcomes and ‘value’ of medicines?

Emerging ‘one-time’ curative therapies create important new options for patients living with difficult and incurable health conditions. While cost remains central to the discussion, it’s important to reset how we view these transformational approaches and consider what these shifts mean in terms of ultimate outcomes and ‘value’.

The Federal Government’s recent approval and funding of Australia’s first cell immunotherapy (Kymriah) should be viewed as a historical step forward in the provision of transformational treatments to Australian patients:

Importantly, it marked the arrival of and access to one of the most advanced forms of personalized medicines now being made available.
We are now in completely new territory when it comes to the formal assessment and review of these therapies. There is no question that these highly complex technologies are set to change how we review and fund medicines and health technologies moving forward.
That future starts now with a review of the National Medicines Policy.

An estimated 289 novel cell and gene therapies are in development worldwide – nearly half for cancer.[1] The US leads the way with access – approving the first therapy in late 2017. Five therapies have now been approved in a period of less than 2 years. Four are cancer therapies.

Early trial outcomes with these therapies highlight the potential return on these innovative approaches – significant improvement in survival rates and a reduction in the need for long-term chronic treatments and care.² Patients could be spared pain and suffering from enduring multiple non-curative therapies; and the healthcare system could potentially benefit from reductions in the cumulative cost of hospital care and ongoing treatments.

As we head towards the Federal Election, addressing cancer has been a top priority for the major political parties – through access to clinical trials, medical scans, specialist consultations and medicines approved by the PBAC. We are working to harness this interest and direct it to the review of outdated policies and the creation of systems and processes that can accommodate the future of treatment for Australian patients. For Australians it will take us closer to world-class, sustainable access to new cancer therapies as they arrive.

Our view is that time is of the essence. It is critical we work collaboratively and quickly together to set up a clear framework for the future that can assess and review the next generation of therapies in an effective and efficient way. Our National Medicines Policy is a good place to start.

A review of the National Medicines Policy (NMP) will need to involve a multi stakeholder approach including consumers, clinicians, industry and other supply chain participants. Healthcare consumers are fundamental to the NMP and community expectations should be a part of the review and outcomes.

Activating change is not a quick fix – a long-term view is essential. Transformative treatment involves navigating a complex array of public and private providers across multiple parts of the healthcare sector.

And the future is not just in the treatment of cancer – the innovative medicines industry is also investigating cell therapy in organ transplantation to eliminate the need for lifelong immunosuppressants. Our sector will also bring this therapy into earlier and earlier stages of disease and in the process reduce the cost of treatment and the burden of disease on patients and their families and the wider healthcare system. Some of these genomic discoveries may also even take place in Australia.[2]

The promise of successful, one-time treatment has the potential to positively affect millions of lives[3] and we are pleased to see momentum is now underway in transformative treatment for Australians.

[1] Medicines in development for Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy. https://www.phrma.org/medicines-in-development-for-cell-and-gene-therapy

2. Hampson, G. Gene therapy: evidence, value and affordability in the US health care system

Medicines Australia welcomes ALP R&D investment pledge

Medicines Australia welcomes today’s announcement from the Australian Labor Party to reform the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentive if elected on 18 May.

Medicines Australia CEO Ms Liz de Somer said: “A collaboration premium to foster stronger links between industry and researchers is a positive step toward strengthening Australia’s medical and pharmaceutical research capacity.

“As an industry, we invest approximately $1 billion in collaborative partnerships, many of which are with research institutes and universities,” she said.

“Strong R&D incentives are a key driver to a knowledge-based economy. They encourage primary investment, but they also have very important secondary benefits, like expanding Australia’s knowledge base, attracting and retaining academic and research talent, and strengthening our regional trade capabilities.

“The pharmaceutical industry is highly reliant on a policy environment that strongly supports innovation, R&D and commercial translation to at least the same levels as competitor nations. Without policies such as the R&DTI, there will be limited incentive for ongoing investment into Australia.

“Medicines Australia has long advocated for a strengthened R&D Tax incentive that encourages investment from large companies. We have sought a bipartisan commitment to retain the R&D tax incentive in a form that supports clinical trials and removes the requirement for an intensity threshold for research driven medicines and therapies.

Medicines Australia welcomes the appointment of the former Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb as leader of the ALP’s proposed root and branch review of Australia’s research sector.

Medicines Australia Chair Dr Anna Lavelle said: “Professor Chubb is a strong believer in the important role of medical research & development and clinical trials in the innovative medicines sector.

“Professor Chubb has made a considerable contribution to the Medicines Australia Advisory Council, by providing a long-term strategic lens on the future trends in Australia both within the health and medicines research sector and beyond.

“We look forward to collaborating with Professor Chubb in his new role and to positively contribute to the review of Australia’s research priorities, as the medicines sector is a key innovation industry and provides a clear opportunity for growth.” said Dr Lavelle.

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More information – Natalie Wimmer – Media Manager, Medicines Australia – 0450 728 660

Today’s health debate should focus on ensuring the PBS is well funded and fit for the future.

Medicines Australia urges the Minister for Health the Hon Greg Hunt MP and the Shadow Health Minister the Hon Catherine King MP to use today’s Health Policy Debate at the National Press Club as an opportunity to outline their plans for the future sustainability and viability of the PBS.

Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said that both major parties have a strong focus on listing new medicines and providing funding for disease groups.

“We welcome these announcements, but we need to also look to the future and ensure our funding and regulatory systems are up to the challenge,” Ms de Somer said.

“Medicines are integral to healthcare delivery and play a vital role in helping Australians live longer and healthier lives – keeping them in the workplace, out of hospitals and contributing to the community and economy. It’s crucial we move to a commitment to invest in the PBS versus the current long-term decline, while funding for other important areas of healthcare continues to rise.

“We need to work urgently now on how we can ensure access to the monumental shifts in the way diseases are managed and treated, with the first of these announced just a fortnight ago.

“Unfortunately, we are also seeing unnecessary delays in listing times, and an uncertain regulatory and reimbursement pathway for these treatments.

“Adopting and funding these medical breakthroughs is a vital step for Australia, particularly as the population ages and we once again have the opportunity to become a regional leader in the manufacture of these new medicines.

“But that won’t happen unless we have a thorough look at our system. That’s why Medicines Australia has called for a multi-stakeholder review of the National Medicines Policy to ensure these treatments can be accommodated and Australians have timely and affordable access to these game changing medicines.

“We hope today’s discussion is a robust one, which outlines how both parties will consider transformational medicines and the role they will play for the individual, the community and the Australian economy,” Ms de Somer said.

Medicines Australia’s key election commitments document is available here

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More information – Natalie Wimmer- Communications Manager, Medicines Australia – 0450728660 – nwimmer@medaus.com.au

Federal Government takes first major step in adopting new wave of personalised medicine for Australian patients

16 April 2019: Medicines Australia welcomes the Government’s investment in new technology with Kymriah^® (tisagenlecleucel) CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy by Novartis being reimbursed for Australian children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said immunotherapies, like CAR-T, represent a significant scientific development in the way diseases can be treated. CAR-Ts are living therapies and use a reengineered version of a person’s cell to treat cancer.

“Australians know these therapies exist and have previously had to travel overseas to access treatment. The therapy has been available in the US since 2017 and was approved in the UK and Canada in late 2018.

CAR-T has been evaluated by the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) and funded through the public hospital system via the National Health Reform Agreement.

“Medicines Australia has long called for a ‘fit for purpose’ system in order to ensure these treatments can be accommodated. In our Budget submission, we called for bi-partisan support for a multi-stakeholder review of the National Medicines Policy to ensure breakthrough treatments and therapies like CAR-T can be effectively accommodated and choice is available for Australian patients.

“Medicines matter to Australians. We need to ensure our National Medicines Policy, the foundation stone of the healthcare system in Australia, can accommodate these transformational medicines. Commitment and investment now will ensure a healthier Australia.

Novartis has entered into negotiation of manufacturing agreements for a new cell and gene manufacturing process at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre – and this represents a critical collaborative effort to achieve access.

“This would also represent an important step in Australia becoming a leader in advanced manufacturing of transformative therapies and a hub for these treatments in the Asia Pacific region,” said Ms de Somer.

“I urge whomever is successful at the 2019 Federal Election to harness this opportunity to boost advanced manufacturing in Australia.”

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

ALP’s health commitment is an investment in every Australian

Medicines Australia welcomes the Australian Labor Party’s Affordable Medicines Guarantee and Medicare Cancer Plan, announced as part of The Hon Bill Shorten MP’s Budget in Reply speech tonight.

These measures would see an investment of $2.3 billion to cut up-front costs for cancer patients, and a commitment to list all positive recommendations from the PBAC.

Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer welcomed the Leader of the Opposition’s commitments, saying an investment in medicines is an investment in Australia.

“Medicines matter to all Australians. Not only to patients, but to their families, their communities and they matter to the economy,” said Ms de Somer.

“Cancer in particular has a very high cost burden, with out of pocket expenses, specialist fees, and non-reimbursed medicines combining to quickly rack up the bills, this investment will go a long way to easing the financial pressure on an individual.

“Some of the medicines that Mr Shorten has committed to listing, once recommended by the PBAC, are becoming more specialised, and effective and have the potential to be transformative for many Australians.

“By recognising this, and committing to list them on the PBS, Mr Shorten has displayed a clear indication that if he wins Government in the upcoming election, he will work with the innovative medicines industry and our stakeholders to ensure the PBS can subsidise and deliver these life changing medicines.

“Industry is committed to working with the Department of Health and the ALP if they are elected to ensure that this is realised.”

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More information – Natalie Wimmer – 0450 728 660

Medicines Matter – Government confirms commitment to uncapped PBS

Medicines Australia welcomes today’s announcement of $331 million for the listings of innovative medicines on the PBS in today’s 2019/20 Federal Budget. This is reinforced by the Morrison Government’s commitment to listing all positive recommendations made by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.

Medicines Australia CEO Elizabeth de Somer said: “The Morrison Government has recognised that medicines matter and confirmed their commitment to the uncapped PBS and overall health expenditure. This will help ensure all Australians have access to new and innovative medicines they need when they need them.

The Treasurer announced overall health portfolio spending will increase by $20 billion over forward estimates, from $102 billion in 2018-19 to $115 billion in 2022-2023.

The forward estimates show a $40 billion spend on the PBS consistent with previous years reporting.

Funding on the PBS will dip and then grow over the forward estimates. Beyond 2020-21, rebates have been removed from the presentation of the Budget Figures for PBS. Over the forward estimates, the PBS headline figure drops by 18.6 percent in real terms due to rebates being removed.

“The fact that there were no significant reforms or new saving measures imposed on our sector is a reminder of the value of having a Strategic Agreement with the Commonwealth, that provides the framework for ongoing collaboration, consultation and partnership in the future, and importantly, no surprises,” said Ms de Somer.

“Medicines Australia remains committed to working constructively with the Government to deliver a solution that will enable the Government to invest in the PBS so that new innovative medicines can continue to be listed for Australians.

“We are pleased with the Government’s commitment to research and development within the innovative pharmaceutical sector with a $354m investment from the MRFF for clinical trials for rare cancers and rare diseases. We are on the cusp of transformational change both in the way diseases will be treated and consumers expectations. This investment in clinical trials will make headway in this area.

Medicines Australia will examine the 2019 Federal Budget over the coming days to determine further opportunities in which the Government can maximise the return on their investment in medicines.

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More information – Natalie Wimmer – 0450 728 660

22nd Annual Medicines Australia CEP Award Winners Announced

Today, Medicines Australia recognised the extraordinary talent in the Australian Pharmaceutical sector workforce at the 22^nd Annual Continuing Education Program Awards.

This mandatory program highlights the innovative pharmaceutical industry’s diligent commitment to ethical conduct and to the training and supporting our highly skilled and dedicated Medical Representatives.A total of 1,205 students participated in CEP in 2018 by enrolling in one or more of the six available programs.

These representatives of the innovative pharmaceutical industry have the important job of ensuring the dialogue between the companies who make the medicines and the doctors that prescribe them is productive, balanced and ethical.

The CEP Award winners, and all those who participated in the programs have shown their commitment to providing accurate, balanced information in an ethical manner that will enhance the quality use of medicines in Australia.

Medicines Australia would like to congratulate the following CEP award recipients:

Code of Conduct – Outstanding Achievement Award
This award is presented to the candidate who achieves the highest mark in Program 1, the Code of Conduct Program.

Marita Warner – Otsuka

Continuing Education Program – Top Achievers
Winners in this category are students who achieve the highest aggregate marks in all five core Programs of the CEP.

Anna Barlow – Bayer
Jasmine Taylor – Norgine
Lachlan Gray – GSK
Selcuk Yatmaz – Boehringer Ingelheim
Pratheep Akilan – Boehringer Ingelheim
Jan-Javier Lehnert – Sanofi
Astrid Lefringhausen – Grifols
Keegan Au-Yeung – AstraZeneca.

The 2018 University of Tasmania Prize for Active Learning
A prize is awarded for each semester, based on the level and quality of students’ reflective assignments, exam results, active learning and participation in a Program.

Morgan Bouzaid – Seqirus
Bernd Merkel – Biogen

Medicines Australia would like to congratulate all these worthy award winners and recognise the achievements of the 223 graduates of the 2018 Continuing Education Program.

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