PBAC announces appointment of industry expert to Committee

Medicines Australia is pleased to welcome the appointment of Michelle Burke to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).

Ms Burke has enormous experience in the sector and has a long history of working with multinational bio-pharmaceutical companies and contributing to significant policy issues such as PBS reform and industry development. Ms Burke has three times been the recipient of industry recognition through the prestigious Pat Clear Award, for her contributions to broader industry policy.

The appointment of an industry nominated member to the PBAC was one of several changes made to the Committee as part of the 2015 PBS Access and Sustainability Package.

“Ms Burke is eminently qualified to bring to the PBAC the high degree of integrity and independence as well as considerable experience of the medicines regulatory and reimbursement system and its interaction with the broader, global eco-system,” said Milton Catelin, Chief Executive Medicines Australia.

“The Committee has shown a willingness to engage with the medicines industry and has a deep understanding of the issues impacting on our sector.”

“We look forward to working with the PBAC towards what should be our shared priority, namely, the timely listing of new, innovative and cost-effective medicines to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS),” said Mr Catelin.

The PBAC is an independent expert body appointed by the Australian Government. Members include doctors, health professionals, health economists and consumer representatives.

Its primary role is to recommend new medicines for listing on the PBS. No new medicine can be listed unless the committee makes a positive recommendation.

Contact:

Natalie Wimmer, Media Manager – Medicines Australia
Phone: 0450 728 660
Email: nwimmer@medaus.com.au