3 April 2020
Canberra, ACT
In an important collaborative step, Medicines Australia (MA) and the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) have today been granted ACCC Authorisation to permit discussions and the implementation of strategies that support the continued supply of essential medicines and associated supplies to Australians, including those urgently needed for the treatment of COVID-19.
This authorisation reflects the critical need to stabilise and manage the supply of medicines which has seen unprecedented demand in recent weeks resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maintaining the supply of essential medicines to Australians who rely on them is the industry’s utmost priority as we face one of the biggest global health challenges of our time.
Medicines Australia Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth de Somer welcomed this decision by the ACCC.
“Today’s authorisation underscores the importance of an integrated supply chain for our medicines and I thank the GBMA for working alongside us in addressing the challenges we are now facing as a result of COVID-19.”
“It is essential that we pursue every possible strategy that supports the delivery of medicines into the hands of Australian patients. We must be focussed and tireless in our effort,” said Ms de Somer.
“We have a critical role to play in the urgent response to this rapidly evolving health crisis. But to succeed it requires the Australian healthcare delivery system to work together, including with Government, in a highly collaborative and open manner,” states Dr Anna Lavelle, Chair, Medicines Australia.
“Companies are working around the clock to monitor and assess supplies, at a local and global level, to ensure they can get to where they are needed,” added Dr Lavelle.
“We welcome this important authorisation by the ACCC to allow industry, extending to non- members of the associations, to work together now and facilitate the efficient and effective management of medicine supplies for Australian patients during this critical and challenging time,” comments Marnie Peterson CEO, Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association.
“Every measure we can put in place to assist in the treatment of COVID-19 while also supporting the ongoing supply of essential medicines to Australians must be implemented and we are extremely pleased the ACCC have approved our request.” said Ms Peterson.
Both Medicines Australia and the GBMA are working in close partnership with the Federal, State and Territory Governments and the local healthcare community to respond to and manage the supply of medicines – both within Australia and also shipment of supplies into the country.
As the peak bodies for medicines in Australia, Medicines Australia and the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association stand ready to protect Australians in these uncertain times.
The details outlined by the ACCC provides specific guidelines around the sharing and exchange of information relating to the supply of prescription medicines together with general arrangements and agreements.
Full details can be found here.
More information:
Jannette Cotterell
Executive Counsel Australia
0419 204 059
jcotterell@executivecounsel.com.au
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ABOUT GBMA
The GBMA is the national association representing companies that manufacture, supply and export generic and biosimilar medicines. GBMA represents all major generic medicine suppliers in Australia, accounting for more than 90% of all generic medicines dispensed in Australia. Members of GBMA ensure all Australians are offered high quality generic and biosimilar medicines, which provide affordable health outcomes that benefit all Australians. Members of GBMA take seriously their role in the responsible provision of affordable medicines in Australia, as stipulated in the National Medicines Policy. The generic and biosimilar medicines sector is a high value-add sector delivering significant health and economic benefits to the Australian public. The availability of generic medicines in this country helps to deliver:
– Timely access to affordable medicines;
– Substantial savings to the PBS;
– Thousands of highly skilled jobs; and
– Domestic manufacturing and annual exports of around $300 million.
For more information, please contact the GBMA – admin@gbma.com.au or visit www.gbma.com.au
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