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Medicines Australia welcomes tabling of parliamentary report about approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies

Written by: Editor
Published on: 25 Nov 2021

Medicines Australia25 November 2021: Medicines Australia welcomes the House of Representatives Health, Aged Care and Sport Committee Inquiry report into Approval Processes for New Drugs and Novel Medical Technologies in Australia, tabled in Parliament today.  

Given the extraordinary advancements in scientific research and development, and the pace of change in technology, the Inquiry is timely and critical, and has prompted a considerable number of submissions from across Australia. 

“The report, tabled in Parliament today, is the result of more than 12 months of demanding effort, and thorough consultation by the Committee to review over 200 submissions and hold over 50 public hearings,” said Elizabeth de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia.  

“The amount of energy and thoughtfulness that was put into each of these submissions was exemplary and the Committee has given considerable attention to the stakeholder contributions.” 

Medicines Australia’s analysis of the submissions in June this year highlighted the call for greater involvement of the patient voice and prioritising fast access to new and innovative medicines, vaccines and treatments to ensure that no Australian patient is left behind. 

“Medicines Australia is hopeful that the upcoming independent review of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) policies and methods will help address some of the issues raised during this Inquiry,” said Ms de Somer.  

“I want to thank all the Committee members, but especially the Chair and Deputy Chair, Trent Zimmerman MP and Dr Mike Freelander MP for their ongoing, bipartisan support and close consultation with all stakeholders, including patients, that has resulted in today’s report.” 

Medicines Australia looks forward to reviewing the report’s 31 recommendations and hearing the Government’s response.