Sydney.
The Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA), the peak body for accessible medicines, will bring together senior leaders from government, industry and the healthcare sector for its inaugural GBMA Summit 2026: No patient left waiting – ending the era of medicine shortages, to be held on Wednesday, 4 February 2026 at Parliament House, Canberra.
Against a backdrop of increasing pressure on health systems and supply chains globally the Summit will explore practical solutions to build a more viable, resilient and sustainable medicines supply for all Australians.
Focusing on medicine shortages and access, GBMA CEO, Marnie Peterson, said the Summit aims to consider forward-looking frameworks that deliver Australians with timely access to medicines and resilience for the years ahead. “Shortages are a consequence of systemic drivers and vulnerabilities and can’t be solved in isolation. The GBMA summit is about bringing people together to discuss and design solutions that will meet the needs of Australians today and into the future. This is our opportunity to chart a path that ensures a future with timely access to a broad range of medicines for Australians,” Ms. Peterson said.
The GBMA Summit will offer an interactive format, including real-world case studies led by GBMA members, stakeholders and regulators. Audience participation will be encouraged throughout the event.
Key themes will include:
- Evolving policy settings for the PBS
- Strengthening supply chain resilience and predictability
- Encouraging sustainable frameworks for generics and biosimilars
- Broadening patient access to life-changing medicines
- Collaboration opportunities across government and industry.
The Independent Chair of the GBMA Hon. Professor Jane Halton AO PSM, said the event comes at a crucial time for Australia’s health system. “Medicine shortages are not exclusive to Australia – they are common globally. Australia must avoid band-aid solutions and address shortage root causes to maintain continuity of supply”. Hon. Prof. Halton said. “This Summit will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and discuss what is working, what is not and what must change to protect patients and the system”.
The GBMA warmly welcomes leaders and decision-makers from government, government departments, industry associations, patient and clinician groups, suppliers, and the broader healthcare ecosystem.
Event Details
- Wednesday, 4 February 2026
- Parliament House Theatrette, Canberra
- 9:30am – 2:00pm, including networking lunch
- Tickets: $330 (GST included) for industry and non-members
- Complimentary registrations available for patient group representatives
Registrations close Friday, 16 January 2026. Program details and speakers will be shared in the coming weeks. Register your attendance for GBMA’s 2026 Summit.
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.
