Another day, and another addition to what is now a motherload of bad ideas

The conspiracy theorists point to a published submission, which has remained mostly unchanged for a decade, now advocating that the Australian Government implement the recommendations of a report it commissioned and led. As far as conspiracy theories go, it's remarkably transparent and unambitious.

Australian life sciences company (ASX:OPT) has reported negative outcomes from its pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial involving the combination of its sozinibercept with Bayer's EYLEA (aflibercept) for treating wet age-related macular degeneration.

Health Minister Mark Butler effectively endorsed industry criticism of PBS decision-making during a radio interview on Monday, citing Australia's 'old' HTA system as responsible and expressing sorrow over long waits for patients wanting funded access to new medicines.

In the words of George Orwell, “But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought.” Be under no illusion that the confected outrage on PhRMA's two-month-old submission, virtually unchanged in a decade, is a lazy ideological dog whistle that risks poisoning the well and corrupting any thoughtful dialogue on PBS reform.

“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.

Medicines Australia will be appointing a new chair. To what extent does it matter? The participation model means that the industry might be effectively shackled to the 'change' table rather than having a seat at it. The government has worked it out, constantly increasing the price of participation and limiting exclusionary discussions about change. How does that need to change?

Health Minister Mark Butler has announced that the government will invest $20 million, which Baxter will match, to expand the company's production of intravenous fluids at its facility in Western Sydney.