Not even the industry believes the country is capable of a mature discussion about the PBS

AusBiotech and potentially impacted companies have responded cautiously to the US Government's decision to impose varying tariffs on imports from all countries, including a 10 per cent across-the-board tariff on all Australian imports.

Pharmx said the portal will be progressively rolled out to existing suppliers within its network, including companies such as Pfizer, Revlon, and CH2.

The Department of Health and Aged Care has confirmed a review of Australia's arrangements for the supply of blood products but declined to provide details, including terms of reference.

US criticism of the PBS is like catnip for some people, they can't resist it, even if it's the same criticism articulated by multiple Australian stakeholders and the health minister. The strange secrecy over the government's review of arrangements for blood supply products and the terrible treatment of a female academic leader.

The work of the Health Technology Assessment Review Implementation Advisory Group will continue during the election caretaker period.

According to Health Minister Mark Butler, the government will never negotiate the design of the PBS with the US pharmaceutical industry while relying on a reform process underpinned by negotiation with the pharmaceutical industry.

In an interview with ABC 7. 30 Report tonight, Lilly CEO David Ricks stated the obvious: The industry wants a better PBS, not to dismantle it, and that means faster access to innovation.

Natalie Down, the director of people and culture at Daiichi Sankyo Australia, will be recognised as a Luminary by the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association at its annual Woman of the Year celebration.

Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said, "After a year of consulting with members and other stakeholders, it is exciting to officially launch industry’s Code Edition 20 that builds on and improves Edition 19 of the Code."

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?

“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.