The Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) has today announced the appointment of Dr Stephen Jenkins, PhD, Director of Government and Corporate Affairs APAC, Teva Pharmaceuticals, to its Board of Directors, following the Association’s annual strategic meeting.
With over 20 years of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical sector and a proven track record in shaping effective healthcare policy, Stephen brings valuable insights as GBMA continues its work to strengthen the PBS sustainability and improve medicine accessibility at a time of intensifying global market pressures and supply chain challenges.
GBMA Independent Chair, Hon. Prof. Jane Halton AO PSM, welcomed the appointment. “Stephen’s strategic expertise and global perspective will be an asset to the Board as we continue to advocate for policies that safeguard continuity of supply for Australian patients” says Prof. Halton, who also highlighted the importance of biosimilar policy to deliver broader access to medicines.
“Every dollar saved through the use of biosimilars creates headroom in the PBS that can be reinvested into new medicines and expanded access. If we match the uptake levels seen in leading markets, we can make the PBS more resilient, contribute to supply certainty, and improve access for patients who cannot afford to wait”, said Hon. Prof. Halton.
GBMA CEO, Marnie Peterson, congratulated Stephen and acknowledged outgoing director and Teva Vice President APAC, Jim Margaritis. “Stephen’s leadership at Teva and his deep understanding of the medicines landscape comes at a critical time as global demand and economic pressures continue to challenge healthcare systems worldwide,” Ms. Peterson said. “And on behalf of the Board, we also thank Jim Margaritis for his dedication and significant contribution over the past two years,” she added.
Dr Jenkins said he was honoured to join the GBMA Board. “The work GBMA does to secure timely and reliable access to medicines is vital for Australian patients. I look forward to contributing to these efforts and collaborating with government and industry to maintain a sustainable PBS,” Dr Jenkins said.
At its annual meeting, the GBMA Board reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to healthcare, focusing on medicine access and a sustainable supply chain to protect patient care across Australia.
-ENDS-
Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association
Level 17, 1 Denison St, North Sydney, NSW 2060
admin@gbma.com.au
ABOUT GBMA
The Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) is the peak representative body of generic and biosimilar medicine suppliers in Australia. Its members ensure that all Australians are offered the highest quality generic and biosimilar medicines in the world whilst providing affordable community health outcomes that benefit all Australians.
ABOUT BIOSIMILARS1
Biosimilar medicines are highly similar versions of the original, or ‘reference’, brand of a biological medicine. They are subject to the same regulatory standards and are equally safe and effective at treating the conditions as the original biological medicine.2
Biosimilar brands of medicine come onto the market after the patent for the equivalent reference brand of a biological medicine has expired. They provide more brand options for the same clinical results and introduce competition into the medicines market. They have been available in use for more than 15 years.
- https://www.health.gov.au/topics/medicines/about-medicines
- https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/biosimilar-medicines-regulation.pdf
