19 May 2021
Canberra, ACT
Protecting Australians from future medicine shortages and developing effective policies that secure supply will be the shared focus of the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) and its newest Board member.
Mr Juan Villar, Senior Vice President North East Asia-Pacific and Director of Fresenius Kabi in Australia, joins the board of the peak body for affordable medicines, at a pivotal time for the sector and as the country continues to recover from the devastating health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Responsible for delivering over two thirds of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) volume to Australian patients, the generic medicine sector has navigated a tumultuous year, with GBMA members working extremely hard to protect Australian patients against medicine shortages triggered by disruptions to supply chains globally.
The GBMA’s Independent Chair, Ms Jane Halton AO PSM, and CEO, Ms Marnie Peterson, both welcomed Mr Villar to the Board and said they look forward to his strategic input as the organisation negotiates a new five-year strategic agreement with the Australian Government.
“Fresenius Kabi’s corporate philosophy is ‘caring for life’,” Mr Villar said. “Our values are well aligned with the GBMA’s main focus to prioritise the needs of patients and protect the medicines supply chain. We also need to ensure taxpayers reap the rewards of policies that drive a greater uptake of generic and biosimilar medicines in Australia”.
On behalf of the Board and members, Ms Peterson also paid tribute to the outgoing Board member, Dr Neill Stacey, Managing Director of Southern Cross Pharma.
“For more than five years, our members have benefited from Neill’s wisdom and experience as a board member,” Ms Peterson said. “Always generous with his time and knowledge, we know Neill will continue to help us positively shape the dynamic medicine policy landscape.”
Mr Villar joins the board following the appointment of Ms Halton, one of the most respected health policy makers, as the GBMA’s inaugural independent Chair.
Ms Halton said she was proud to lead a growing membership base and a board that was comprised of some of the most experienced health executives in the country.
“With patients our absolute focus, we are looking forward to working closely with the Government on developing smart policies that allows us to maintain the delivery of high value care to all patients, through the secure supply of high quality, affordable medicines,” Ms Halton said.
The Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association Executive Board
| Ms Jane Halton AO | Chair of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations Co-Chair of the COVAX initiative |
| Mr Guy Strong | Country Head Australia and New Zealand, Sandoz Australia |
| Mr Dennis Bastas | Founding CEO and Chair, Arrotex Pharmaceuticals |
| Mr Sylvain Vigneault | Country Manager, Viatris Australia |
| Mr Mark Crotty | CEO and Managing Director, Juno Pharmaceuticals |
| Ms Lisa Golden | Group General Manager – Marketing, Arrotex Australia |
| Mr Juan Villar | Senior Vice President North East Asia-Pacific, Fresenius Kabi. |
ENDS
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 high quality generic and biosimilar medicines, whilst providing affordable community health outcomes that benefit all Australians.
For more information, please contact the GBMA – admin@gbma.com.au or visit www.gbma.com.au
ENQUIRIES
Jannette Cotterell
Executive Counsel Australia
0419 204 059
jcotterell@executivecounsel.com.au
