In the week ahead, IGBA will renew its commitment to raise awareness of the powerful and lifechanging impact of biosimilar medicines which contribute to delivering better health outcomes and biologics access equity for more patients. The fourth Global Biosimilars Week (GBW) will run from 13th to 17th November, 2023 on social media, supported by a rich resource dedicated website globalbiosimilarsweek.org.

The campaign theme this year is Making Cancer Care More Accessible to Patients and Healthcare Systems. IGBA invites patients, healthcare professionals, government organisations and other interested parties to share their resources about biosimilar medicines using the hashtag #GlobalBiosimilarsWeek.

The highlight of the week is a complimentary webinar on Wednesday, November 15, hosted by The Center for Biosimilars (CFB®). During this event, it will be discussed how all stakeholders can collaborate to expand global cancer care, with a special focus on the role of policies related to biosimilar medicines.

IGBA companies are the pioneers and global leaders in the development and marketing of biosimilar medicines. To date there have been over 800 biosimilar approvals in IGBA’s membership jurisdictions and additional ICH Member countries, covering over 10 therapeutic areas. “Biosimilar medicine approvals have expanded, but we need purposeful biosimilar policies to expand access”, commented David Gaugh, Chair IGBA.

“We call all relevant stakeholders to join the Biosimilars Movement on advancing access. Patients around the world are desperately waiting. With good policies, we can turn together the tide on cancer”, added Suzette Kox, Secretariat General IGBA.

A leading Australian healthcare company, Neo Health, has joined the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) as its first ‘Affiliate Member’, marking the ongoing growth of the peak body for affordable medicines.

Reflecting the diversity of the Australian healthcare eco-system, GBMA created the entry-level membership tier for medicine and technology manufacturers, suppliers, industry associations and patient groups, with aligned values and views.

GBMA’s Independent Chair, Professor Jane Halton AO PSM, said the Board and members all welcomed Neo Health at an important time in the medicine policy landscape1 with cost-of-living pressures and the increasing rate of chronic disease among Australians2.

Neo Health is an Australian based company specialising in over the counter (OTC), prescription, wellness, and personal care solutions. Their aim is to provide products for all therapeutic categories, across multiple channels and global markets to help people live healthier, happier lives.

With connections across the affordable medicines sector, an Affiliate membership of the GBMA was a ‘positive and strategic’ fit, according to Neo Health Managing Director, Mr Aman Madan.

“We share GBMA’s core objectives to ensure all Australians have secure supply and timely access to high-quality, safe and affordable medicines” Mr Madan said.

GBMA’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Marnie Peterson, said the GBMA is working closely with Government, members, and stakeholders, to develop and implement effective policy reforms that better protect patients against the cost-of-living increases.

“The GBMA looks forward to working with Neo Health and all members to ensure Australian patients can continue to access affordable, high-quality medicines, and support those most in need.”

A leading pharmaceutical company has joined the Australian peak body for affordable medicines.

Israeli-founded, Teva Pharma Australia (Teva) entered the Australian market in 2015, with a focus on improving management of long-term conditions, addressing cost-efficient prescribing and a commitment to improving health outcomes for Australian patients.

Independent Chair of the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA), Professor Jane Halton AO PSM, said the Board and executive team were delighted to welcome a globally recognised organisation in the generic and biosimilar medicines sector.

“Teva’s supply chain delivers to patients globally and Teva is committed, as we are, to do more to protect Australian patients against preventable medicine shortages, whilst delivering fiscal relief to the health budget and protecting patients against the rising cost of living,” Professor Halton said.

Teva Vice President, APAC Cluster Head and General Manager ANZ, Mr Jim Margaritis, said Teva has significant overseas experience linking public health initiatives to the savings generated by cost-effective treatments and looks forward to contributing to GBMA’s efforts in implementing policies that support both patients and their clinicians.

“We are pleased to join the GBMA and the important policy discussion on how we can unleash the true value of biosimilars, to the benefit of Australian taxpayers including the most vulnerable,” Mr Margaritis said.

“Whilst we stand before a significant shift in medicine policy, more can be achieved,” Professor Halton added. “Biosimilar medicines remain an untapped resource that could be utilised to offset budget initiatives aimed at supporting patients, particularly those struggling with the burden of chronic disease.”

CEO of the GBMA, Ms Marnie Peterson, said protecting patients against the rising cost of living and avoidable medicine shortages further underscored the shared objectives of Teva and the GBMA.

Teva, like all GBMA members have marked a key milestone in GBMA’s five-year, high-impact Strategic Agreement – creating stockholding buffers of 4 to 6 months. These new measures, effective as of July 01 2023, are aimed at mitigating avoidable shortages of medicines.

“Whilst there will continue to be challenges in the supply of some medicines, particularly those currently in global shortage, our members remain committed to doing all they can to ensure Australian patients can reliably and safely receive the medicines they need, when they need,” Ms Peterson said.