Generic Biosimilar Medicines Association

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You are here: Home / Archives for Latest news

IGBA’s Annual Global Biosimilars Week Focuses on Oncology Care

November 14, 2023 By GBMA Admin

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Geneva, Switzerland

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.

-ENDS-

Media inquiries:
Jannette Cotterell
Executive Counsel Australia
0419 204 059
jcotterell@executivecounsel.com.au


ABOUT IGBA

About IGBA: The International Generic and Biosimilar medicines Association (IGBA) strengthens cooperation between associations representing manufacturers of generic and biosimilar medicines from around the world. Adopting a patient centric approach, IGBA works to improve patients’ access to quality assured, safe and cost-effective medicines by promoting competition and enabling innovation in the pharmaceutical sector and sustainable economic contributions for all stakeholders. For more details, regarding IGBA and its member associations, see the IGBA website at: www.igbamedicines.org.

ABOUT GBMA

The Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) is the peak representative body of generic and biosimilar medicine suppliers in Australia. Its members ensure that all Australians are offered the highest quality generic and biosimilar medicines in the world whilst providing affordable community health outcomes that benefit all Australians.

For more information, please contact the GBMA – admin@gbma.com.au or visit www.gbma.com.au

Filed Under: News 2023

Neo Health joins GBMA under new membership tier

September 28, 2023 By GBMA Admin

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Canberra, ACT

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.”

-ENDS-

Media inquiries:
Jannette Cotterell
Executive Counsel Australia
0419 204 059
jcotterell@executivecounsel.com.au

ABOUT GBMA

The Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) is the peak representative body of generic and biosimilar medicine suppliers in Australia. Its members ensure that all Australians are offered the highest quality generic and biosimilar medicines in the world whilst providing affordable community health outcomes that benefit all Australians.

For more information, please contact the GBMA – admin@gbma.com.au or visit www.gbma.com.au

ABOUT NEO HEALTH

Neo Health is a proudly Australian-owned company with experience in innovation and leadership spanning more than 25 years, servicing pharmaceutical companies, pharmacy chains and grocery retailers.

Neo Health develops and licenses over the counter, prescription, and complementary medicines, medical devices, niche, and innovative products for the Australian market – Neo Health | OTC products for today and tomorrow

1 https://www.pbs.gov.au/info/news/2022/12/refreshed-national-medicines-policy
2 Treasury.gov.au/policy-topics/measuring-what-matters/dashboard/prevalence-chronic-conditions.

 

Filed Under: News 2023

GBMA welcomes Teva Pharma to its growing membership base

July 24, 2023 By Admin

Tuesday July 25, 2023

Canberra, ACT

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.

-ENDS-

Media inquiries:
Jannette Cotterell
Executive Counsel Australia
0419 204 059
jcotterell@executivecounsel.com.au

 

ABOUT GBMA

The Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) is the peak representative body of generic and biosimilar medicine suppliers in Australia. Its members ensure that all Australians are offered the highest quality generic and biosimilar medicines in the world whilst providing affordable community health outcomes that benefit all Australians.

For more information, please contact the GBMA – admin@gbma.com.au or visit www.gbma.com.au

 

ABOUT TEVA PHARMA AUSTRALIA

Teva was established in 1901. Its global headquarters are based in Israel. Today it has a portfolio of more than 3,500 medicines and produce approximately 120 billion tablets and capsules a year. It has over 70 manufacturing facilities in over 30 countries.

Teva ranks among the leading pharmaceutical companies globally and is active in 60 markets. Approximately 43,000 employees around the world is dedicated to its mission. Its innovative and high-quality medicines serve about 200 million people every day.

 

ABOUT BIOSIMILARS(1)

Biosimilar medicines are highly similar versions of the original, or ‘reference’, brand of a biological medicine. They are subject to the same regulatory standards and are equally safe and effective at treating the same diseases as the original biological medicine.(2)

Biosimilar brands of medicine come onto the market after the patent for the equivalent reference brand of a biological medicine has expired. They provide more brand options for the same clinical results and introduce competition into the medicines market. They have been in use internationally for more than 15 years.

1. Australian Government. Department of Health and Aged Care. About Medicines. Available online: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/medicines/about-medicines. (Accessed on 31 January 2023).
2. Australian Government. Department of Health and Aged Care. Biosimilar Medicines Regulation. Available online: Biosimilar medicines regulation | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

Filed Under: News 2023

New member, Pearce IP, shares GBMA mission to secure access to affordable medicines

June 1, 2023 By Admin

Thursday June 1, 2023

Canberra, ACT

An award-winning Australian boutique Intellectual Property firm, specialising in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceuticals sectors, has joined Australia’s peak body for affordable medicines, at a time of change in medicine access policies.

The Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA)’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Marnie Peterson, said Pearce IP has joined as its newest Associate Member, as the sector undergoes significant reform, including implementation of the GBMA’s five-year Strategic Agreement with the Government.

GBMA’s Independent Chair, Professor Jane Halton AO PSM, said the Board and members, all welcomed Pearce IP to the shared mission of ensuring all Australian patients had secured access to safe and affordable medicines, in particular biosimilars.

At a time when the cost of living is hurting many families, Professor Halton said more needed to be done to unlock the health and fiscal benefits of biosimilars to deliver savings and restore balance to an overstretched health budget.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pearce IP, Ms Naomi Pearce, agreed and said she was committed to supporting the GBMA as it developed policies that further enabled all Australians to access these affordable medicines.

“Throughout the last few years, in particular with the pandemic, companies supplying medicines have been challenged and stretched in ways that no one could have foreseen,” Ms Pearce said. “Having collaborated with GBMA members for more than two decades, I am proud that Pearce IP is strengthening our support for this sector and the patients it serves, in these challenging times.”

Ms Peterson said that drawing on the trusted insights of members, such as Pearce IP, the GBMA would continue to advocate for medicine access policies that supported healthcare sustainability for the long- term.

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

-ENDS-

Media inquiries:
Jannette Cotterell
Executive Counsel Australia
0419 204 059
jcotterell@executivecounsel.com.au

 

ABOUT GBMA

The Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) is the peak representative body of generic and biosimilar medicine suppliers in Australia. Its members ensure that all Australians are offered the highest quality generic and biosimilar medicines in the world whilst providing affordable community health outcomes that benefit all Australians.

For more information, please contact the GBMA – admin@gbma.com.au or visit www.gbma.com.au

 

ABOUT PEARCE IP

Pearce IP is a boutique firm offering intellectual property specialist lawyers, patent attorneys and trade mark attorneys to the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and life sciences industries. Pearce IP is the 2021 ‘Intellectual Property Team of the Year’ (Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards) and was shortlisted for the same award in 2022. Pearce IP is ranked in IAM Patent 1000 and Managing IP (MIP) IP Stars, in Australasian Lawyer 5 Star Awards as a ‘5 Star’ firm, and the Legal 500 APAC Guide for Intellectual Property.

Pearce IP leaders are well recognised as leading IP practitioners. Our leaders have been recognised in virtually every notable IP listing for their legal, patent and trade mark excellence. Biopharma & Life Sciences Patent Lawyers in Australia – Pearce IP

 

ABOUT BIOSIMILARS(1)

Biosimilar medicines are highly similar versions of the original, or ‘reference’, brand of a biological medicine. They are subject to the same regulatory standards and are equally safe and effective at treating the same diseases as the original biological medicine.(2)

Biosimilar brands of medicine come onto the market after the patent for the equivalent reference brand of a biological medicine has expired. They provide more brand options for the same clinical results and introduce competition into the medicines market. They have been in use internationally for more than 15 years.

1. Australian Government. Department of Health and Aged Care. About Medicines. Available online: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/medicines/about-medicines. (Accessed on 31 January 2023).
2. Australian Government. Department of Health and Aged Care. Biosimilar Medicines Regulation. Available online: Biosimilar medicines regulation | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

Filed Under: News 2023

Federal Budget 2023: patient benefits at the centre of healthcare reforms

May 10, 2023 By Admin

Wednesday May 10, 2023

Canberra, ACT

In its second budget, the Albanese Government delivered a suite of measures aimed at mitigating the rising cost of living, in particular for Australian patients struggling with the burden of chronic disease.

The peak body for affordable medicines, the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) commended the Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, the Treasurer, the Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP and the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP, for budget reforms that will provide fiscal relief, for many Australians, including significant investment for bulk billing services.

The Independent Chair of the GBMA, Professor Jane Halton AO PSM, said that facing a challenging economic environment, the Albanese Government delivered a budget that places patient benefits at the centre of healthcare reforms.

“This budget reflects the Treasurer’s dual agenda of doing more to protect Australians against the rising cost of living without further fuelling inflation,” Professor Halton said. “By our very nature, the affordable medicines sector is closely aligned to those aims.

Patients and taxpayers already receive the benefits of nearly two thirds of the PBS volume being delivered by the generic and biosimilar medicines sector, but more can be achieved.” Professor Halton said biosimilar uptake remained an untapped source of savings for the Government and could help offset many of its budget measures.

“We know one in five Australians are struggling with two or more chronic diseases(1). The costs to them, and the health budget, is staggering,” Professor Halton said. “This is why we need measures, such as My Medicare, to help patients better navigate, and afford, the multiple medical services they need.”

The CEO of the GBMA, Ms Marnie Peterson said the GBMA would continue to collaborate closely, with the Government, to co-design policies that actively incentivise patients, and their doctors, to support biosimilar uptake.

“We know that channelling the significant savings from biosimilar uptake to important healthcare measures, can ensure much needed programs support healthcare sustainability for the long-term,” Ms Peterson said.

“As the Government continues on its budget repair path, GBMA looks forward to working with it to ensure all Australians can continue to access affordable, high-quality medicines, whenever and wherever they need them.”

-ENDS-

Media inquiries:
Jannette Cotterell
Executive Counsel Australia
0419 204 059
jcotterell@executivecounsel.com.au

1. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/health-conditions-prevalence/latest-release

ABOUT GBMA

The Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) is the peak representative body of generic and biosimilar medicine suppliers in Australia. Its members ensure that all Australians are offered the highest quality generic and biosimilar medicines in the world whilst providing affordable community health outcomes that benefit all Australians.

For more information, please contact the GBMA – admin@gbma.com.au or visit www.gbma.com.au

ABOUT BIOSIMILARS(2)

Biosimilar medicines are highly similar versions of the original, or ‘reference’, brand of a biological medicine. They are subject to the same regulatory standards and are equally safe and effective at treating the same diseases as the original biological medicine.(3)

Biosimilar brands of medicine come onto the market after the patent for the equivalent reference brand of a biological medicine has expired. They provide more brand options for the same clinical results and introduce competition into the medicines market. They have been in use internationally for more than 15 years.

2. Australian Government. Department of Health and Aged Care. About Medicines. Available online: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/medicines/about-medicines. (Accessed on 31 January 2023).
3. Australian Government. Department of Health and Aged Care. Biosimilar Medicines Regulation. Available online: Biosimilar medicines regulation | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

Filed Under: News 2023

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Generic Medicines: The Facts

Generic Medicines Facts

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The promise of Biosimilars

Biosimilars

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