Surely this therapy is an example of our system at its absolute worst?

Under the deal, Arrotex will lead regulatory engagement, market access strategy, commercialisation planning and national distribution across all approved and future indications, including multiple cancers.

Congratulations to one of Australia's leading health journalists on a highly effective series of stories and commentaries that reveal the true extent of this country's challenge and the problems patients face in accessing medicines. A welcome hardening of the research-based industry's public position on the need for change, a very good report on a needed health technology, and another 'cheap' outcome for patients.

In the negotiation for the current agreements, which will expire in mid-2027, one target was off-patent originator biologics that had not seen any meaningful price disclosure reductions. The Government and its officials might have new targets in the upcoming negotiation.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia says the latest 'Ambulance Ramping Report Card' released by the Australian Medical Association reinforces the need for governments to improve access to timely, community-based healthcare and make better use of the country's highly skilled health workforce

A national report commissioned by Abbott Diabetes. warns that failing to expand access to continuous glucose monitoring technology will increase pressure on Australians living with diabetes, hospitals and the wider healthcare system.

After nearly three years of advocating for a stronger system while publicly supporting the Health Technology Assessment Review, the association now appears to accept that the process is failing to deliver.

Medicines New Zealand CEO Dr Graeme Jarvis said the country’s position stands out sharply. “Many of the countries performing far better than New Zealand are similar in terms of economic strength and, in some cases, population size, so being a 'small' or 'poor' country is not a credible excuse.”

Over the past two decades, the number of Australians living with diabetes has tripled. Roughly 1.3 million people have type 2 diabetes today, and an estimated 500,000 remain undiagnosed. The condition now drives 2.3 per cent of total health expenditure and is responsible for roughly 1.2 hospital admissions each year.

This logic has manifested in the newly released guidance to companies interested in pursuing a broad listing for cancer immunotherapies. An expectation of no net cost. Patients, you waited nine years for this, and it was granted on the basis that your treatment cost the government nothing. That is what your life is worth.

Mark Butler's pathway to reforming the National Disability Insurance Scheme just got harder following the Albanese Government's deal to secure the Greens' agreement for the first tranche of tax changes.

UniQuest and the Ellison Medical Institute have signed an exclusive licence that could push a promising University of Queensland treatment for advanced prostate cancer into first-in-human trials as early as 2027.

"When people can access effective cancer treatments in a timely way, they are more likely to be able to remain in work, care for their families, contribute to their communities and avoid costly hospitalisations,” said Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer

Many in Australia will object, but if it improves the system, meaning better access to innovative medicines, who cares where the change comes from? If it takes another country to flip the script on access in Australia, who cares whether it is the US or Uganda?

“President Trump has made clear that American patients should not be shouldering a disproportionate share of global pharmaceutical research and development,” said USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer.

MTPConnect has adopted a new name as it enters its second decade, rebranding itself as AUScelerate. The organisation said the change aims to better reflect its mission to commercialise Australian life sciences.

It is madness for anyone to believe that this discussion on streamlining will result in the opposite of what every previous streamlining discussion has produced. It is akin to constantly rebuilding a house on a floodplain, thinking that this time it will avoid the flood.

The new site includes sections for the industry and pharmacists. It includes sections for specific prescribers, including dentists, optometrists, midwives, and nurse practitioners. One critical stakeholder is missing.

The emerging impact of China's use of international reference pricing might pose a significant risk to access to medicines in Australia. The critical importance of detail and getting the basics right when negotiating with the government - its ability to operate so effectively in the detail is how the government succeeds in these negotiations. Phrase of the week!

The May 2026 meeting of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) brought a mix of outcomes, including pricing advice and policy guidance.

AusBiotech has welcomed Elizabeth Rex, Head of Corporate Affairs at CSL, as a Board observer, bringing more than 25 years of experience in corporate affairs and communications across ASX-listed and global organisations.

Australia’s life sciences industry has conditionally welcomed the Albanese Government’s proposal for an Innovative Business CGT Concession, describing the move as an important recognition of the sector’s role in economic growth, productivity and global competitiveness.