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You are here: Home / Archives for Latest news / News 2020

Announcement of Independent Chair

December 9, 2020 By Admin

9 December 2020

Canberra, ACT

Global health policy powerhouse, Jane Halton AO PSM, joins GBMA as its inaugural Independent Chair

Canberra:As Australia emerges from the current global health and economic crisis, one of the world’s most respected and experienced health policy leaders, Ms Jane Halton AO PSM, is joining Australia’s peak body for generic and biosimilar medicines, as its inaugural Independent Chair.

As the Chair of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and Co-Chair of COVAX, Ms Halton has been laser focussed on ensuring equitable global access to a COVID-19 vaccine. However, now the former Secretary of the departments of Health and Finance, is also turning her attention to ensuring all Australian patients can continue to receive affordable and safe medicines.

“To return to my domestic health policy roots, and lead the GBMA at such a significantly important time for Australian patients and our vital healthcare community, is a challenge I am delighted to embrace,” Ms Halton said today. “As we look to the arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine for our citizens, we also need to be vigilant that all Australians continue to receive the medicines they need, when they need them.”

With Australia’s health budget under extraordinary strain, Ms Halton – who has, herself, overseen 13 health budgets – said she was keen to forge a national understanding of the role generic and biosimilar medicines play as the ballast for a sustainable Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

A reliable supply of low cost, high volume generic and biosimilar medicines are needed in Australia to ensure there remains fiscal headroom on the PBS to subsidise expensive innovative medicines and offset the cost of life-saving vaccines.

CEO of the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA), Ms Marnie Peterson, said the GBMA board and its members, were thrilled Ms Halton will lead the peak body through an unpredictable and rapidly shifting health, policy and economic landscape.

“Jane is respected as a health and economic policy powerhouse, without peer, in Australia and globally,” Ms Peterson said today. “To end such a traumatic year with Jane as our first Independent Chair is absolutely wonderful news and we know governments, patients, clinicians, hospitals and pharmacists alike will also applaud Jane’s return to the Australian medicine policy front line.”

On behalf of the Board, Ms Peterson paid tribute to the outgoing Chair, Mr Sylvain Vigneault. Ms Peterson described Mr Vigneault’s insights, experience and support, over more than two years, as highly valued by the membership, throughout a significant time for the association and particularly during this pandemic

“All of our members have worked around the clock to protect Australia’s patients against medicine supply chain disruptions,” Ms Peterson said. “Jane joins the GBMA board at a pivotal time as we navigate through a new five year strategic agreement negotiation with the Government and help shape new national medicine policy.”

“Australia has a world class health system and our Government is an international exemplar of how to manage and mitigate the worst of this pandemic,” Ms Halton said.

“I look forward to working with my GBMA colleagues to strengthen our collaborative partnership – one that continues to prioritise all Australian patients and their families.”

-ENDS-

About Jane Halton AO PSM:
Jane Halton AO PSM is the Chair of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovationsand Co-Chair of the COVAX initiative.

She is a member of Australian COVID-19 Coordination Commission advisory committee, boards of ANZ, Crown, Australian Strategic Policy Institute and the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation.

In a 33 year career at the top of the public service, Ms Halton served as a Secretary of the Departments of Health and Finance at the federal level and was Deputy Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Ms Halton chaired the World Heath Organisation (WHO) board, was President of the World Health Assembly and was Chair of the OECD health committee.

More information:
Jannette Cotterell
Executive Counsel Australia
0419 204 059
jcotterell@executivecounsel.com.au

–ENDS–

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 high quality generic and biosimilar medicines, 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

–ENDS–

Filed Under: News 2020

Confidence in biosimilar medicines, amongst specialists, GP’s and Pharmacists

December 8, 2020 By Admin

12 November 2020

Canberra, ACT

  • New research shows prescriber confidence to switch a patient to a biosimilar medicine has more than doubled since 2016
  • Community pharmacist experience dispensing biosimilar medicines has increased by 77%
  • Over 650 healthcare professionals and consumers surveyed to measure current levels of awareness and knowledge of biological, including biosimilar medicines.

The CEO of the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA), Ms Marnie Peterson, said whilst GBMA members are still working through the details, it was a welcomed 2020-21 Budget and one delivered at a time of unprecedented stress imposed on Australia’s healthcare system.

New research shows a significant increase in biosimilar medicine confidence, among Australian healthcare professionals and patients. The 2020 Biosimilar Medicine Market Research Report was commissioned by the GBMA Education, as part of the Biosimilar Education Grant, and comes after the highly successful Biosimilar Awareness Week in May 2020. The results of this report act as a benchmark to a survey conducted by the Department of Health in 2016(1) as part of their Biosimilar Awareness Initiative.

Specialists
Confidence among specialists, to switch a patient to a biosimilar medicine, markedly increased by 52% (from 44% to 67%) since the 2016 Market Research Report. Overall confidence in the use of biosimilar medicines has also increased, with 82% of specialists now reporting confidence in the comparability of biosimilar medicines (up 12%) and 83% reporting confidence in prescribing biosimilar medicines (up 9% since 2016).

Community pharmacists
Since 2016, Community pharmacist experience with biosimilar medicines has increased dramatically, with a 77% increase (from 39% to 69%).
Community pharmacists also continue to showcase high levels of confidence in biosimilar medicines with 88% confidence in comparability, 86% confidence in efficacy and 84% confidence in counselling a patient on a biosimilar medicine.

General practitioners
General practitioners have the least exposure to biosimilar medicines, compared to all other surveyed healthcare profession stakeholder groups. However, GP familiarity with biosimilar medicines is on the rise with results showing a 56% increase (from 25% to 39%) since 2016. Furthermore, GP confidence has also shown notable increases with 71% of GPs reporting confidence in the comparability of biosimilar medicines (up 18%) and 69% reporting confidence in counselling a patient about biosimilar medicines (up 25%).

Hospital pharmacists
When confidence levels in the efficacy and the comparability of biosimilar medicines are compared across stakeholder groups, hospital pharmacists demonstrated the highest levels with 92% reporting confidence(2). Hospital pharmacists also report the highest confidence (90%) in dispensing biosimilar medicines.

Consumers/carers
Consumer/carers reported 80% confidence in switching to a biosimilar medicine (an increase of 7%). Consumers and carers also have a high confidence in taking biosimilar medicines, when prompted with information (81%). This is an increase of 12.5% since the 2016 survey.

Benefits of CPD accredited education
CPD accredited modules have seen a marked increase in prominence for biosimilar education since 2016 with 31% of specialists and GPs reporting CPD education as a source of their education. This is a notable shift from the 2016 results whereby no specialists or any GPs reported CPD accredited modules as a source of their education. Pharmacists’ utilisation of CPD modules has also increased by 23% (56% to 69%) since 2016.

As a leading provider of biosimilar education, the GBMA Education CPD3 portfolio demonstrates the benefit of a multi-faceted approach to education materials to suit the varying learning preferences across healthcare disciplines. With the recent launch of an Essential CPE module for pharmacists, worth up to 10 Group 2 CPD credits, GBMA Education will continue to release CPD accredited activities in the coming months with an ‘on-demand’ webinar series for Specialists, GPs and Pharmacists and a Nurse CPD module.

Furthermore, building on the success of the 2020 Biosimilar Awareness Week held in Australia, the International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (IGBA) will be supporting the upcoming ‘Global Biosimilars Week’ from 16-20 November 2020. Activities will continue the momentum and online discussions to raise awareness of biosimilar medicines and their contribution to the future sustainability of healthcare systems worldwide.

For more information visit www.biosimilarhub.com.au

REFERENCES
1. Market Research for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule (PBS) and Biosimilar Medicines Quantitative Report
2. GBMA Education notes that hospital pharmacists did not form part of the 2016 market research report, therefore a direct comparison is not possible.
3. Continuing Professional Development

-ENDS-

ABOUT GBMA EDUCATION

GBMA Education is the educational arm of the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA), which is the representative body of generic and biosimilar medicine suppliers in Australia. GBMA Education was awarded the Biosimilar Education Grant by the Australian Government in April 2018.

The purpose of the Biosimilar Education Grant, awarded to GBMA Education by the Australian Government, is to increase confidence in the use of biosimilar brands of biological medicines that are listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). In order for biosimilar medicines to increase market competition and improve the Government’s capacity to fund expanded access to biological medicines as they become more affordable, healthcare professional acceptance and confidence about biosimilar medicines must increase.

GBMA Education acknowledges the provision of funding by the Australian Government for the Biosimilar Education Grant Program.

Further information

For further information on biosimilar medicines and Grant activities, please visit www.biosimilarhub.com.au or contact the GBMA Education team via email: admin@gbmaeducation.com.au

Media enquiries

Please contact Cube Public Relations in the first instance via:
GBMAmediaenquiries@cube.com.au or M: 0424 785 063 (Cameron Donald) / 0417 421 560 (Anne-Marie Sparrow).

–ENDS–

Filed Under: News 2020

IGBA Launches First Global Biosimilars Week

December 7, 2020 By Admin

16 November 2020

Geneva, Switzerland

Today the International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (IGBA) launched the first ever Global Biosimilars Week, which is aimed at raising the awareness of biosimilar medicines worldwide through a globally aligned educational initiative.

IGBA Global Biosimilars Week will take place from November 16 to 20, and will be supported by a dedicated globalbiosimilarsweek.org website that contains resources and information for everyone, from patients to doctors. Biosimilars benefits, regulation, clinical use and market adoption will be covered.

“There is a wealth of information available globally about biosimilar medicines and the real-world evidence supporting their safety, efficacy and use,” explained Hanan Sboul, Chair of the IGBA. “Enhanced knowledge of biosimilar medicines will support improved access to life-saving biological treatments and support healthcare systems, which are under increasing pressure due to the rising costs of innovative treatments and the new fiscal demands created by the Covid-19 global public health crisis.”

“With this awareness campaign, the IGBA is providing a one-stop solution for anyone wanting to know more about biosimilar medicines. We invite all stakeholders to get involved and engage in the conversation by following along on social media using the hashtag #GlobalBiosimilarsWeek,” said Erika Satterwhite, Chair of the IGBA Biosimilars Committee.

IGBA member companies are the pioneers and global leaders in the development and marketing of biosimilar medicines. To date there have been more than 300 biosimilar approvals in jurisdictions representative of the IGBA’s membership, covering more than 10 therapeutic areas including oncology, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, growth disorders, nephrology, fertility and diabetes.

–ENDS–

ABOUT GBMA

For Australian specific information – visit the GBMA website www.gbma.com.au

GBMA is the national association representing companies that manufacture, supply and export generic and biosimilar medicines. GBMA represents all major generic medicine suppliers in Australia and more than 90% of all generic medicines dispensed in Australia. Members of GBMA ensure all Australians are offered high quality generic and biosimilar medicines, which provide affordable health outcomes that benefit all Australians. Members of GBMA take seriously their role in the responsible provision of affordable medicines in Australia, as stipulated in the National Medicines Policy. The generic and biosimilar medicines sector is a high value-add sector delivering significant health and economic benefits to the Australian public. The availability of generic medicines in this country helps to deliver:

– Timely access to affordable medicines;
– Substantial savings to the PBS;
– Thousands of highly skilled jobs; and
– Domestic manufacturing and annual exports of around $300 million.

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

–ENDS–

Filed Under: News 2020

Budget 2020-21 – Australia’s ‘pandemic’ budget prioritises the needs of patients

October 7, 2020 By Admin

6 October 2020

Canberra, ACT

Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association congratulates the Australian Government

Canberra: Australian patients are clearly at the forefront of this the ‘pandemic’ budget, says the peak body for generic and biosimilar medicines and the Morrison Government is to be congratulated for its swift fiscal response to the world’s biggest health crisis.

The CEO of the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA), Ms Marnie Peterson, said whilst GBMA members are still working through the details, it was a welcomed 2020-21 Budget and one delivered at a time of unprecedented stress imposed on Australia’s healthcare system.

“We know how difficult this year has been for all Australians but, in particular, for our most vulnerable,” Ms Peterson said. “All of our members have been working hand-in-glove with the Government to ensure that throughout this crisis, all Australians continue to have ongoing reliable, safe and timely access to affordable medicines.”

Ms Peterson said tonight’s budget recognises the relief that generic and biosimilar medicines have provided to the financial pressure rapidly building on Australia’s healthcare system.

Key highlights include:

  • The Government’s commencement of early negotiations with the GBMA, on long term certainty for the sector, through a new strategic agreement
  • Safeguarding the commitment to list all new medicines – recommended by the PBAC – through the establishment of a new “PBS Medicines Funding Guarantee”
  • New listings of medicines onto the PBS
  • Changes to the proposed PBS rebate reforms that will seek to create more headroom in thePBS for new listings and streamline the tracking of medicines through the process. 

“With the largest volume percentage of medicines on the PBS being generic products, the contribution by our members underpins the sustainability, health and good function of Australia’s delicately balanced health ecosystem,” Ms Peterson said. “Never before has this attribute been more important and more recognised.

We look forward to working with the Minister for Health, and his department, on preparing a new strategic agreement, now with significant time available to our industry to negotiate in the absolute best interests of Australian patients.

“Today’s high impact and targeted budget, along with all of the health containment initiatives, should continue to provide deep reassurance, to all Australians, that our country is exceptionally well prepared to recover from the economic and health shocks of this virus.” ENDS

 

More information:
Jannette Cotterell
Executive Counsel Australia
0419 204 059
jcotterell@executivecounsel.com.au

–ENDS–

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 high quality generic and biosimilar medicines, 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

–ENDS–

Filed Under: News 2020

Australian patients must be able to access their medicines without undue delay

October 2, 2020 By Admin

30 September 2020

Canberra, ACT

The Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association looks to create pharmaceutical ‘green lanes’ – through shipping congestion and industrial action – for vital medicines

Canberra: Australia’s peak body for generic and biosimilar medicines has been urgently working with its members and the Australian Government to ensure vital medicines continue to be delivered through the industrial action and ongoing congestion at Australian ports.

CEO of the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA), Ms Marnie Peterson, said members were concerned about any potential delays to medicines reaching the patients that needed them, in particularly those most vulnerable during the pandemic.

Sydney’s Port Botany is a central pre-wholesale delivery port for the country’s imported pharmaceuticals. From there, medicines are distributed to all parts of Australia.

“GBMA members have been working around the clock for months to do what we can, where we can, to ensure all Australians can continue to access safe and affordable medicines,” Ms Peterson said.

“The safe and timely delivery of our medicines to our patients who are in need is our main priority, and these challenges faced at the Sydney ports comes after months of our members battling high air freight costs, border closures, increasing shipping costs and port congestion.”

With the largest volume percentage of medicines on the PBS being generic products, GBMA is working with the Australian Government and key stakeholders, to understand what, and how many, medicines may be affected and what can be done to identify and mitigate any supply risks.

During the height of the pandemic, GBMA worked with its international colleagues to create pharmaceutical ‘green lanes’ to ensure vital medicines were able to pass through closed borders. It was now hoping to work with all stakeholders, whether a similar system can be established at Australian ports.

Australia has a great health system and a world class supply chain of safe and affordable medicines, but any unintended interference with it can have serious consequences for Australia’s most vulnerable.

GBMA advises Australians who are concerned about the availability of their medicines to check the TGA website link and to discuss their concerns with their healthcare professional.

More information:
Jannette Cotterell
Executive Counsel Australia
0419 204 059
jcotterell@executivecounsel.com.au

–ENDS–

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 high quality generic and biosimilar medicines, 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

–ENDS–

Filed Under: News 2020

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