Approval processes for new drugs and medical technologies under review

ON THURSDAY and Friday, April 22-23, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport will hold two days of public hearings in Melbourne as part of the committee’s ongoing inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia.

The committee will hear evidence from numerous stakeholders including patient advocacy groups, various pharmaceutical companies, research bodies and clinical trial centres. The program for the hearings is available at the committee’s website.

The chair of the committee, Trent Zimmerman MP, said, "The inquiry has received a lot of interest with 185 submissions to date. At the public hearing, the committee will continue to hear from stakeholders to find out how Australia’s approval systems and funding for new medicines and novel medical technologies will provide the best possible outcomes for all Australians now and into the future.

"In particular, the committee is interested in hearing about new innovative drugs and novel therapies that are being developed in Australia and overseas. The repurposing of drugs to treat new conditions will also be discussed.

"Two other important aspects to be reviewed include making the approvals process for new drugs and novel medical technologies more efficient, and consideration as to how Australia could be a more attractive location for clinical trials,’ Mr Zimmerman said.

Further information about the committee’s inquiry including the full terms of reference are also available at the Committee’s website. Seating at the public hearing will be limited due to Covid restrictions. Interested parties are encouraged to listen to the audio live streaming.

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