Industry pushes back on conspiracy theories, highlighting the Government's own comments

“I am honoured to be appointed as Chair of Medicines Australia and I look forward to working with the Medicines Australia Board and Executive to continue championing the latest advancements in medicine, and advocating for patients to have fast, universal access to new treatments."

Less than 100 hours ago, Health Minister Mark Butler boasted of his need to 'nudge' HTA processes he had previously described as "clunky" and responsible for preventable deaths. He now defends the inviolability of the system against criticism from the US-based industry that parrots his own. Confused?

A total victory for pharmacy with the prime minister's appearance at their showcase annual event. We discuss the confected outrage over US interest in the PBS, which is hardly new, and why the industry needs to lead this debate because its reputation and change agenda are being trashed.

Sigma has announced its full-year results for the 12 months ending 31 January 2025, which was the final before its recently completed merger with Chemist Warehouse.

Cystic Fibrosis NZ says the path is clear for Pharmac to expand access to Vertex's TRIKAFTA for aged two to five following a new Medsafe approval.

“This is a significant step towards relieving the financial burden of ill health and chronic conditions and making sure people can get the medicine they need," said National President Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Professor Trent Twomey.

Patients contributing to Australia's HTA processes are forced to use an online portal, do not know how their input is used, and receive no follow-up or feedback. Compare that to the role of patient input under the US government's price negotiation power for prescription medicines.

What is the problem with international criticism of Australia's use of HTA and pricing policy? This is the framework Health Minister Mark Butler described as "clunky" while acknowledging its responsibility for preventable deaths.

Since 2000, when it started in a makeshift basement laboratory, QBiotics has spent 25 years focused on discovering and developing novel cell signalling small molecules for challenging medical conditions.

New listings can occur during the caretaker period when the government has already committed to funding. Given the need for new spending, the minister can also list a medicine with a budgetary impact after consulting with the shadow minister, which is generally unusual.

The US government agency will hold roundtables with patient groups for each of the 15 impacted medicines and a town hall with clinicians before making any decision on the price reductions.

Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said, “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.”

In a major shock for the UK-based pharmaceutical industry, the government has announced a significant increase in the statutory scheme payment rate.

A regional health centre in Victoria has boosted the uptake of critical blood-thinner medicines in patients considered at high risk of stroke following a pharmacist-physician initiative targeting patients with atrial fibrillation.

An early diagnosis of juvenile arthritis could save children from lifelong disability due to joint deformities and loss of vision, according to a campaign for better recognition of this common disease.

Climbers will embark this morning on day one of the Rare Cancers Australia's Kosi Challenge with almost $500,00 already raised for patient support programs.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and is the second most common cause of death from cancer in Australian men, behind lung cancer.

WEHI researchers have made what they believe is a breakthrough in the fight against Parkinson’s disease, solving a decades-long mystery that could pave the way for developing new treatments.

A new Australian study, published this week in Genetics in Medicine, has identified the ideal, or ‘Goldilocks’, number of genes to test for in genetic carrier screening in prospective parents.

A new report by Telix says the tens of thousands of Australians could miss out on a new era of cancer treatment without action from the government to secure the viability of the nuclear medicine sector, including enforcing regulatory standards.