A report released today shows mortality rates from all types of cancer have dropped markedly over the past thirty years, coinciding with a range of ground-breaking new cancer medicines coming into the Australian market.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report, Cancer in Australia in brief 2014, shows that despite an increase in prevalence of various cancers, survival rates have dramatically improved.

Medicines Australia CEO, Tim James, welcomed the report’s findings, which showed the overall mortality rate from cancer is expected to drop by 20 per cent from 209 deaths per 100,000 people in 1982, to 168 deaths per 100,000 people in 2014.

“The AIHW findings reflect the importance of cancer medicines and innovative new treatments over the past thirty years, which have made a significant contribution to the quality of life and life expectancy of cancer patients,” Mr James said.

“To see the survival rate from cancer improving significantly, with five-year survival from all cancers combined rising from 46 per cent in 1982-1986 to 67 per cent in 2007-2011, is a great testament to the health technology improvements we have made as a nation, including the contribution the medicines industry has made over the years.

“It’s important all Australian patients have access to new medicines, including cancer medicines and innovative treatments, and for these new medicines to be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in a timely manner.

“This year alone, new medicines were listed on the PBS to treat melanoma, pancreatic cancer, non small-cell lung cancer and brain cancer, among others.

“But we can all do better to get new medicines to those who need them. To assist in consideration of how to maintain and improve access to new cancer treatments, Medicines Australia will be providing recommendations to the Senate Community Affairs Committee inquiry into the availability of new, innovative and specialist cancer drugs in Australia.

“The medicines industry will continue to develop new cancer medicines and innovative treatments including medical technologies, which contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer related illnesses.”

The AIHW report also showed that the number of new cancer cases rose from 47,417 to 123,920 over the past thirty years. This was due to the increasing size and age of the population, with improved diagnosis through health screening programs and new technologies used for identifying and diagnosing.

“Rising cancer rates mean that now more than ever, cancer affects everyone in our community,” Mr James said. “And every Australian deserves the latest ground-breaking treatments, whether it be for their family, friends or themselves,” Mr James said.

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Contact Person:

Alexia Vlahos
Phone: (02) 6122 8503
Email: Alexia.Vlahos@medicinesaustralia.com.au

“Price cuts to over 100 PBS-listed medicines will again deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in savings to Government, patients and taxpayers,” Medicines Australia CEO, Tim James, said.

“These latest price cuts, which will take effect on 1 April 2015, reaffirm the medicines industry’s continuing contribution to the sustainability of the PBS.

“Ongoing price cuts to medicines through the Simplified Price Disclosure policy will continue to provide significant savings to government and ample scope to fund new and innovative treatments as they are developed.

“Many of the most widely used medicines will reduce in price; for example commonly used cholesterol lowing drugs atorvastatin and rosuvastatin will take a 25 percent and 16 percent reduction respectively, whilst clopidogrel, which reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes, will take a 28.9 percent reduction.

“191 products have now been exposed to price disclosure since 2011; of which 22 products have fallen in cost by over 80% from their original price, and many medicines are now well below the co-payment, further reducing consumers out of pocket expenses and making their medicines more affordable.

“We know that PBS reforms have secured an enduring savings mechanism through price disclosure. The industry has already done the hard yards and importantly, these reforms were achieved through collaboration between government and industry.

“While the OECD Economic Survey of Australia, released today, noted increasing pressures on Australia’s health system, these latest medicine price cuts comprehensively prove that the PBS is not to blame.

“The fact that the OECD has scored Australia very highly in health status is also due, in large part, to the launch and PBS listing of innovative medicines here – that’s a title we definitely don’t want to lose.”

Mr James acknowledged that the focus must now shift to ensuring that patients get access to new and innovative medicines as quickly as possible.

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Contact Person:

Alexia Vlahos
Phone: (02) 6122 8503
Email: Alexia.Vlahos@medicinesaustralia.com.au

Laura Fitzgerald, one of four indigenous medical students sponsored by Medicines Australia through the Shalom Gamarada Ngiyani Yana Residential scholarship program, has reached a significant milestone today – graduating after completing her final year of medicine at the University of New South Wales.

After six years of studying Ms Fitzgerald said it has been a challenging yet a thoroughly rewarding experience.

“It would not have been possible to achieve my goal without the help of my family and the support I received from Medicines Australia and the Shalom College.”

“Without the scholarship I would not have been able to live on campus and would have struggled to complete my studies” Ms Fitzgerald said.

Since 2010, Medicines Australia has committed more than $300,000 over five years to the scholarship program under the auspices of the Special Purpose Fund. Since the Fund’s establishment in 2009, Medicines Australia has contributed more than $1.72m to indigenous health initiatives.

The scholarship program gave Ms Fitzgerald the opportunity to enrich her studies, such as working at the Purple House in Alice Springs, an organisation Medicines Australia supports through the Purple Truck initiative – a mobile renal dialysis unit for remote communities. This experience further cemented her passion to help close the gap for her community and other communities around Australia.

Medicines Australia Chairman, Dr Martin Cross, said Medicines Australia is committed to supporting initiatives that will make a practical difference.

“Medicines Australia commends Laura on her significant milestone. It’s a great accomplishment after years of study, dedication and hard work. We are delighted to have helped in some small way,” Dr Cross said.

“It’s great to see scholarships like this support talented young indigenous Australians to reach their goals and we hope to see many more young people follow in Laura’s footsteps.”

Ms Fitzgerald said, “I look forward to completing my training and working with other health professionals, both indigenous and non-indigenous Australia, to help close the gap on indigenous disadvantage.”

“I hope more indigenous students have the same opportunities I did, to follow their dreams and have access to programs like Shalom Gamarada which changed my life.”

Medicines Australia CEO, Tim James, said contributions towards inspiring programs that support young Australians make a huge difference, not just to the individuals but for whole communities to get behind their talented youth and support them to achieve their best.

Next year Ms Fitzgerald will be completing her internship at St George Hospital in Sydney. She hopes to complete her training and specialise as a GP, working in various areas of medicine in Australia.

Background information about Laura Fitzgerald:

• Laura grew up in Canberra, but her family comes from Muruwari country in Northern NSW and Southern QLD.
• In 2011, Laura completed her ILP (Individual Learning Project), which looked at current follow-up practices for trauma patients and their outcomes with the aim of setting up a follow-up clinic for trauma patients at St George Hospital, in Sydney.
• In 2013, Laura received the Nura Gili Excellence in Medicine Award
• In 2014, she received the Nura Gili Burbuga Birrung (Rising Star) Award for her involvement with Nura Gili, academic progress and encouragement of other students. She was nominated by her peers for the UNSW Indigenous students for this award, an acknowledgement she was honoured to receive.

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Contact Person:

Alexia Vlahos
Phone: (02) 6122 8503
Email: Alexia.Vlahos@medicinesaustralia.com.au

The Mid Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) released today did not include any reference to upward cost variations for the PBS; reinforcing what Medicines Australia has been asserting for some time, that new medicine listings are affordable.

Despite a revised Budget deficit for 2014-15 of $40.4 billion, over $10 billion larger than seven months ago, it appears that price disclosure reforms are keeping pharmaceutical benefits (and services) costs largely static at $10.5 billion.

Medicines Australia CEO, Tim James, welcomed the $300 million in innovative medicine listings made by Government since the Budget, and noted that they had been partially offset by significant price amendments.

“It is only by listing these important life-saving drugs that they become available to the sick Australian patients who need them most,” Mr James said.

“These listings bring innovative treatments to those suffering from pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis and HIV, as well as rare diseases such as atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome.

“Price disclosure reforms have led to forecast expenditure for the 2014-15 financial year being downgraded in every Budget since 2011. And we anticipate ongoing savings from Price Disclosure to continue to deliver more savings before the full Budget in May.”

The Government indicates in this MYEFO that it will save $124.6 million over four years from price amendments for certain medicines currently listed on the PBS and RPBS. However, the price amendments do not appear to take into account scheduled 1 April 2015 Price Disclosure Reductions.

“Medicines Australia will continue to work with the Government to ensure that Australians have access to the latest medicines and innovative treatments through a clearly sustainable PBS,” Mr James said.

“While the Government continues to face fiscal pressures across other portfolios, it is repeatedly made clear that this is not due to the cost of the PBS.”

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Contact Person:

Alexia Vlahos
Phone: (02) 6122 8503
Email: Alexia.Vlahos@medicinesaustralia.com.au

Medicines Australia CEO, Tim James, today welcomed a new report by the Department of Industry’s Office of the Chief Economist on major economic trends affecting Australia’s industries, and the significant opportunities for growth in areas such as medical technologies and pharmaceuticals.

“It’s encouraging to see a major Government report that recognises the value of the pharmaceutical industry to Australia’s economy,” Mr James said.

According to the report, the medical technologies and pharmaceuticals industries collectively employ more than 70,000 Australians, generate exports worth around $4.5 billion annually, invest more than half a billion dollars in research and development each year, and produce almost $10 billion in output every year.

The report also notes that ‘Asia has demonstrated a growing appetite for healthy lifestyles and this provides great opportunities for the Australian pharmaceutical industry’.

“We have been saying the same thing for years,” Mr James said.

“The global market for medicines and vaccines is set to double over the next 10 years, with much of the growth coming from emerging markets in Asia. Australia is well-placed to capitalise on this growth.

“We are conveniently located and we have a world-class medical research infrastructure, highly-skilled labour force and a well-established reputation around the world for manufacturing safe, high-quality medicines and vaccines.

“With the right policies in place, Australia could more than double its exports of medicines and vaccines by 2024.”

In addition to the “Industry Growth Centres” initiative, which was announced in October, the Government yesterday also confirmed its intention to establish the proposed Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

“Medicines Australia strongly supports the establishment of the MRFF,” Mr James noted.

“The benefits to Australians of advances in health technologies cannot be underestimated. We enjoy one of the longest life expectancies in the world, with death and disability rates from all causes dropping by more than half over the last four decades.”

In 2008, Access Economics estimated that for every dollar invested in medical research, Australians gain approximately $2.17 in health benefits in return. A separate study by Lateral Economics in 2011 showed that by maintaining even current levels of investment in medical research, Australians could gain up to $150 billion in health benefits 2021.

“Government policies are fundamental influencers of investment decisions by pharmaceutical companies,” Mr James said.

“We need a stable and globally competitive environment, including positive policies, to encourage high-tech industries like the pharmaceutical sector to directly invest here for the long term.”

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Contact Person:

Alexia Vlahos
Phone: (02) 6122 8503
Email: Alexia.Vlahos@medicinesaustralia.com.au

Medicines Australia has today reiterated the industry’s commitment to the WHO Global Action plan on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and access to cancer medicines.

Speaking at the World Cancer Congress, Medicines Australia CEO, Tim James presented on behalf of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), outlining areas where industry is best placed to add value based on its knowledge and experience in partnership with the WHO and other stakeholders.

“The IFPMA has committed to a framework for action to address NCD burden, focusing on four pillars including innovation and research, access and affordability, prevention and health education, and partnership,” Mr James said.

Mr James also championed a new publication on behalf of the IFPMA – Enhancing Access To Cancer Care.

“At all levels, global , regional and local, the industry  is committed to solutions focused initiatives in partnership with governments and NGO’s other companies, to address the burden of NCDs and issues concerning access to innovative medicines to treat them,” Mr James said.

The IFPMA publication, Enhancing Access to Cancer Care, includes examples of cancer access programs undertaken by its member companies which specifically target people with low income and patients in need of treatment. The vast majority of these programs target women and children’s cancers and benefit more than 80 countries throughout the world.

Mr James also touched on issues affecting access to new and innovative cancer medicines in Australia.

“While Australia has performed well in providing affordable and equitable patient access to cancer medicines, the system faces significant challenges, as it does across the world,” Mr James said.

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Contact Person:

Alexia Vlahos
Phone: (02) 6122 8503
Email: Alexia.Vlahos@medicinesaustralia.com.au

Medicines Australia (MA) has today welcomed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) decision to grant interim authorisation for Code Edition 17.

The interim authorisation will allow the Medicines Australia’s Code of Conduct Edition 17 to continue to operate until a final decision on the authorisation of Code Edition 18 is reached.

“Medicines Australia welcomes the ACCC’s recognition that the Code delivers significant public benefits by setting a high standard of ethical conduct for the prescription medicines industry,” Mr James said.

Medicines Australia CEO, Tim James, said MA will continue to work with the ACCC to achieve authorisation of Code Edition 18 early in the New Year.

“After years of extensive consultation with industry, consumer groups and medical groups, Medicines Australia has proposed a model that considerably increases transparency in line with community expectations.

“The proposed new transparency model in Code Edition 18 requires Medicines Australia member companies to identify doctors by name and the payments they receive where permission is granted. Medicines Australia consulted extensively with consumer groups and other stakeholders in developing its proposed transparency model.

“It is based on models emerging in Europe, rather than the United States, and our member companies are keen to work together with healthcare professionals to lead the way on transparency.

“The fact is that Medicines Australia’s members are leading the way on this in the Australian health sector and we want to work in partnership with healthcare professionals, medical groups, consumers groups, other industry sectors and the broader community to deliver a new era of transparency to the Australian community.”

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Contact Person:

Alexia Vlahos
Phone: (02) 6122 8503
Email: Alexia.Vlahos@medicinesaustralia.com.au

Today is World AIDS Day – a day to raise awareness and support those living with HIV/AIDS, and also commemorate those who have died.

This year’s theme – Getting to Zero – aims to raise awareness to reduce the risk of new infections, reduce discrimination for those living with the disease, and reduce AIDS related deaths.

“Thirty years ago a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS was a death sentence, but today many people living with HIV can expect a near-normal life expectancy,” Medicines Australia CEO, Tim James, said.

“We know that in part modern medicines have made a significant contribution to improving quality of life for many people living with HIV/AIDS.

“Modern medicines like global access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other innovative treatments, have demonstrated major progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, which is now seen as a chronic disease managed with medicines.

“Globally, ART programmes have averted an estimated 7.6 million HIV/AIDS related deaths between 1995 and 2013, according to the World Health Organisation.

“This means that with timely access to these innovative new therapies and modern medicines, people living with HIV can expect a near-normal life expectancy.

“Modern medicines, including innovative therapies and scientific development, have transformed the treatment of HIV/AIDS, and with innovation as the fundamental driver of human development, the medicines industry will continue this transformative work for human kind.

“Working in partnership with people living with HIV, together with Government and international counterparts, we can continue to raise awareness, provide the support needed, and make sure access to modern medicines and innovative treatments are available for all patients living with HIV/AIDS.”

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Contact Person:

Alexia Vlahos
Phone: (02) 6122 8503
Email: Alexia.Vlahos@medicinesaustralia.com.au

Medicines Australia CEO Tim James today called on Government to strengthen Australia’s intellectual property (IP) system.

“IP is at the heart of innovation, and protecting it is critical for future economic growth in Australia,” Mr James told a Parliamentary Friends of Medicines event today.

“For a modern, knowledge-based economy like Australia’s, IP is a particularly valuable commodity, currently worth an estimated $250 billion to the economy, or nearly a fifth of the nation’s GDP.

“Australia’s IP system has traditionally been one of the strongest in the world, but Government actions in recent years, along with long-standing deficiencies in key areas, are undermining global confidence in the strength and stability of Australia’s IP system.

“For example, Australia offers just 5 years of data exclusivity, which prevents imitators from relying on data generated by research-based pharmaceutical companies to obtain marketing approval for equivalent products.

“The 5-year term was introduced in 1998, but since then the world has moved on.

“Most developed countries now offer 8 to 12 years of data exclusivity, and even some developing countries offer more protection than Australia.

“There is too much focus on the ‘cost’ of strengthening Australia’s IP system, and not enough on the benefits, such as job creation and investment in R&D and high-tech manufacturing.”

Debate on IP-related issues in Australia should be well informed, evidenced and fact based. Just this week, the research-based pharmaceutical industry was again accused of seeking to expand IP protections through ‘evergreening’.

“Evergreening as a concept represents a fundamental misunderstanding about how the IP system works,” Mr James said.

“No later patents can extend the term of an earlier one. Once a patent expires, imitators are free to copy these inventions if they choose.

“We urgently need informed discussion on the costs and benefits of strengthening Australia’s IP system.

“Strengthening Australia’s IP system will ensure not only that Australian patients continue to get prompt and affordable access to the latest and most effective treatments, but also enable Australia to attract even more investment in pharmaceutical R&D and manufacturing.”

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Contact Person:

Alexia Vlahos
Phone: (02) 6122 8503
Email: Alexia.Vlahos@medicinesaustralia.com.au

A report released today has provided valuable insight into longevity in Australia, with years added to life expectancy for females and males living down-under.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report, Healthy life expectancy in Australia: patterns and trends 1998 to 2012, shows life expectancy for males has increased by 4 years and 2.8 years for women.

Medicines Australia CEO, Tim James, has welcomed the report’s findings.

“The AIHW report captures how much our length and quality of life has improved over the past 15 years,” Mr James said.

“This report shows that from 1998 to 2012, life expectancy at birth has increased from 75.9 years to 79.9 years for males (an extra 4.0 years) and from 81.5 years to 84.3 years for females (an extra 2.8 years).

“Ground-breaking developments in medicines, vaccines, and innovative new therapies to treat disease have made an essential contribution to this achievement.

“Innovation is the fundamental driver of human development.  Medicines, vaccines and therapies are at the forefront of innovative, scientific development and, in turn, human development.

“Today there is a wider range of accessible treatment options for patients to treat cancer, cardiovascular disease, HIV, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and other diseases, than there was even a few years ago.

“Thanks to the Australian health system and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, Australian patients are able to access the latest medicines and vaccines so that we are not only living longer, but also enjoying a better quality of life.

“The medicines industry will continue to research and develop innovative solutions and contribute to the health and economic wealth of Australia.

“We will continue to work together with government to ensure that innovation and investment will continue to provide high quality, safe, and effective treatments for all Australians, now and into the future.”

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Contact Person:

Alexia Vlahos
Phone: (02) 6122 8503
Email: Alexia.Vlahos@medicinesaustralia.com.au