ACCC helps to further protect Australians further protected against medicine shortages caused by COVID-19

Medicine shortages from the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to be actively managed by Medicines Australia and Generic Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) thanks to an authorisation confirmed by the ACCC today.

The authorisation extension will allow the Federal Government to work with Medicines Australia and GBMA to coordinate efforts and ensure the continued supply of essential medicines and devices.

Ms Elizabeth de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia, said that the emergence of the Omicron variant demonstrates that disruption and shortage issues are far from over.

“All Australian businesses have felt the pressure on their supply chains, including challenges with freight delays. As the COVID pandemic continues it remains critical that we can continue to work together for Australian patients to have access to the medicines they need.”

“This ACCC authorisation allows us to continue to manage and minimise risks that could disrupt medicine supply to hospitals and patients,” said Ms de Somer.

Ms Marnie Peterson, CEO of the GBMA added that the ACCC authorisation will help deliver uninterrupted and timely access to the medicines Australians need.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown disruption into everyone’s lives,” Ms Peterson said. “Behind the scenes, the Australian medicines industry has been working hard to protect Australians against global medicine supply chain shocks.”

Medicines Australia and GBMA both recently put into place respective Strategic Agreements with the Australian Government that will focus on timely access to innovative medicines, treatments and vaccines and further strengthen protection for patients from medicine shortages.

Medicines Australia and GBMA thanked the ACCC for their consideration and final authorisation. The authorisation has been granted for a period of 12 months, expiring on 30 September 2022.