COVID-19

Australians are increasingly relying on their local community pharmacies as a first point of care, reflecting a broader shift in how people access everyday health services.

Sandoz has announced a new national partnership with Camp Quality to expand access to trusted cancer education, psychosocial support, and community-based care for children aged 0 to 15 and their families across Australia.

Standing across from the patient that day, she realised how much was contained in that small exchange. “That person wasn’t just holding onto a prescription,” the AbbVie leader said. “They were holding onto hope.”

Australia’s community pharmacy sector celebrated outstanding achievements at the 2026 National Pharmacy Awards, announced at the Australasian Pharmacy Professional Conference, recognising pharmacists, pharmacy teams and students who are strengthening patient care across the country.

“It is an absolute medical miracle what we are seeing now,” said Dr Mike Freelander MP. “We are seeing people living long and healthy lives. We are seeing people with CF planning their futures with work, families, and children themselves.”

If two years is too long, how does one year become acceptable? What ethical principle converts two years of avoidable suffering into a problem requiring action, but twelve months into a policy success? Halving the delay does not remove the harm. Patients still deteriorate. The disease still progresses. People still die waiting.

Tetratherix (ASX:TTX) has taken a significant step forward in the development of its prostate cancer technology, advancing its Tutelix spacer toward an international pivotal trial following encouraging early clinical results and the successful completion of a Series A capital raise by its joint venture partner.

Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) has appointed physician scientist Dr Teresa Montagut to lead its clinical development and medical affairs efforts, strengthening the company’s leadership team as it expands its portfolio of cell therapies for inflammatory diseases.

Patrys (ASX:PAB) has taken significant steps toward advancing a potential new treatment for delirium into human clinical trials, including manufacturing and regulatory preparations for its experimental drug candidate RLS-2201.

Australian immuno-oncology company Imugene (ASX:IMU) has moved to accelerate development of its lead cancer therapy after reporting encouraging clinical results, while launching a capital raising to fund the next phase of trials.

New Zealand's Pharmac has confirmed that, from April 1, 2026, more children and adults living with cystic fibrosis will gain earlier access to medicines that can significantly change the course of the disease.

Australia’s nuclear medicine sector has delivered a stark message to policymakers. Scientific breakthroughs are accelerating. Patients are waiting. Yet the health system is struggling to keep pace.