COVID-19

Professor Trent Munro, General Manager of the BRIJ, and Rebekah Cassidy, CEO of AusBiotech, spoke with BioPharmaDispatch-BPDInsights about the precinct’s contribution to how Australia’s life sciences sector is moving from scientific promise to commercial impact.

“Since AbbVie’s inception 13 years ago, we have been rewarded a Great Place to Work - a truly remarkable achievement. This is not by accident, and it is not an easy feat. It takes considered effort and real intentionality," said Nat McNeil, Vice President and General Manager, AbbVie Australia and New Zealand.

In an investor presentation in Auckland, the company said its portfolio now includes eight patented projects, 24 off-patent injectables, and several early-stage commercialisation efforts.

Chronic Pain Australia’s '2026 National Pain Report: Pain Lives Here', released during National Pain Week, is calling for action on the disconnect between the widespread impact of chronic pain and the lack of recognition, measurement and action.

Professor Jo Douglass, specialist physician and Professor of Medicine at the University of Melbourne, called the approval of another treatment option a positive development for patients who face ongoing, sometimes life‑threatening breathing difficulties.

The new IQVIA report found that nearly 200 orphan drug designations were granted between 2018 and 2025, with most progressing to regulatory approval but far fewer gaining reimbursement.

A new global survey, including Australia, has painted a stark picture of how COVID-19 continues to shape daily life for many medically vulnerable people.

What makes ACT's commitment to reverse the 30-year decline in New Zealand's medicines spend so remarkable is its clear demonstration of intent. Compare that to the current state of medicines policy in Australia.

The 2026 PCPA Cancer Summit will bring together leading cancer specialists, policymakers, patient advocates and industry partners in Melbourne on 28 and 29 August to explore solutions to improving access to treatment.

Boehringer Ingelheim has partnered with patient groups to launch 'Patient Input Buddy', an AI platform designed to make it easier for people to provide input into Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee evaluations.

The organisation said the appointment brings expertise in AI governance and privacy to its board, adding depth at a time of unprecedented technological change. 

ACT, the party led by New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, has announced an historic pre-election commitment to reversing three decades of chronic under-funding for Pharmac.