Archives for July 2015

30 July 2015.

From today, the Generic Medicines Industry Association (GMiA) will be known as the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA).

After patents expire on brand name medicines, affordable generic and biosimilar medicines deliver the same health benefits to patients while also providing savings to taxpayers and the government. This means more patients can have access to essential medicines and savings can be redirected into the health system.

“We are entering a new era of affordable medicines with biosimilars. Our new name signals the significant role we, and generic and biosimilar medicines, will continue to play in the affordability and access to healthcare,” said GBMA CEO Belinda Wood.

“Biosimilars will make a significant impact on the Australian pharmaceutical landscape. Regulatory requirements, reimbursement policy and marketing practices are evolving and there has never been a more exciting time to be shaping positive outcomes for patients, government and industry,” she said.

Generic and biosimilar medicines play an essential role in delivering affordable healthcare through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Today, GBMA members supply every biosimilar, and 90% of generic medicines, dispensed through the PBS.

25% of current PBS expenditure is on biological treatments. Biosimilars promise savings as well as the opportunity to increase patient access to life-changing medicines. In the coming years, a number of biological treatments will come off patent including adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel) and rituximab (Mabthera).

As new biosimilars become available in Australia, more patients can expect to have access to these affordable medicines, which are proven to be just as safe and effective as the original brands.

23 July 2015.

The Generic Medicines Industry Association (GMiA) is announcing that Mr. Mark Crotty is stepping down from the position of Chair effective July 24 2015.

Mr. Crotty became Chair in July 2013 for a two year period with the goal of strengthening the GMiA. In this time he has been an agent of change, driving a strategic approach that focused on ensuring the long-term viability of the generic and biosimilar sector. In a time of significant change and uncertainty for the pharmaceutical industry, he reorganised the GMiA, reshaping its relationship with government and strengthening its role in industry policy.

“2013-2015 saw many tough changes in Australian pharma. Through this time, The Board ensured that the GMiA remained relevant and the executive team worked successfully to engage our members and government. We have built a stronger, more focused organisation in two short years and our members can look forward with confidence and optimism. I thank the Board, Executive and members for their unified approach and support during this time,” said Mr Crotty.

In 2014, the Commission of Audit became a platform to establish a clear mandate for generic and biosimilar medicines in Australia and the unintended consequences of PBS pricing policies. This led to a disciplined campaign to build high levels of trust among members and government, positioning the GMiA for both the 2015 budget negotiations and the resulting PBS reforms.

The Strategic Agreement negotiated with Minister Ley and the Department of Health was the first to recognise the essential role of generic medicines and biosimilars in delivering affordable healthcare through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). It will support the ongoing supply of affordable generic and biosimilar medicines in Australia and deliver a 5 year period of certainty for GMiA members.

The GMiA Board thanks Mark for his strong leadership and dedication to the generic and biosimilar medicines industry.

The announcement of the new GMiA Chair will be made on 3 August 2015.

9 July 2015.

The Generic Medicines Industry Association (GMiA) today welcomes its newest member, Amneal Pharmaceuticals. The addition of Amneal recognises the prominent role of the GMiA and its strength in representing its members with government.

The GMiA’s strong leadership and the certainty provided to the generic medicines sector by the Strategic Agreement provides a clear roadmap for engagement between GMiA members and government over the next 5 years.

“Our Strategic Agreement with the Australian Government cements GMiA as a key stakeholder within the pharmaceutical sector, providing a singular united voice of representation for our members on issues regarding generic medicines and biosimilars,” said GMiA Chairman, Mark Crotty.

“GMiA welcomes Amneal and we look forward to welcoming even more members in the coming months.”

Amneal Managing Director Gavin Upiter said: “Following Amneal’s launch in August 2014, we have introduced a progressive offering to our customers that is compelling, different and above all offers true value and growth opportunities long term.  Joining GMiA is part of Amneal’s plan for growth and complements our business philosophy.”

Members of GMiA ensure that all Australians are offered the highest quality generic and biosimilar medicines that provide affordable health outcomes for the benefit of all Australians. Members of GMiA are committed to making medicines affordable today, and for the future.

ENDS