Approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia

The Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport last month released the report from its Inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia.

The New Frontier - Delivering better health for all Australians recommended better community education and consumer input into approval of new medicines as urged by Painaustralia in its submission. Painaustralia CEO Carol Bennett also presented evidence to the committee in March this year.

The Committee’s report specifically mentioned Painaustralia’s submission noting that the existing procedures for consumer input into approval of drugs and novel technologies by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee were limited and inaccessible to grassroots consumers. The report detailed Painaustralia’s example of the limited timeframes and input allowed in regards to the consideration of the drug belimumab, a treatment for lupus.

Painaustralia’s call for a model of consultation was also cited in the New Frontier report - the United Kingdom’s NICE approach to patient engagement consisting of scoping and consultation workshops as well as patient representation on its committees.

You can read the report here

Our blog on this issue is available here