Post by Novartis, Australia & New Zealand

Patients should be able to access the latest medicines when they need them, but that is becoming a less certain reality in Australia. At the Business of Health and Medical Research event hosted by AmCham Australia in Adelaide, leaders from government, industry and research came together to explore what’s needed to keep Australia competitive and ensure patients don’t miss out. A clear message emerged: innovation follows access. For patients to benefit from medical advances, three things need to align: · A clear and predictable path to patient access · Fair recognition of the value of innovation · A strong, trusted research and regulatory environment Australia has many of these foundations, particularly in research and regulation, but gaps in the access pathway are making it harder for patients to receive new treatments in a timely and equitable way. The result is a growing risk that Australians wait longer, or miss out altogether, on medicines available elsewhere. South Australia’s Minister for State Development, Chris Picton MP, highlighted the importance of closer collaboration between government and industry to ensure patients and the broader health system can fully benefit from innovation. Our Head of Public Affairs Michelle Gregory, joined fellow panellists Maria Makrides from SAHMRI, Leanna Read from TekCyte Limited, Dana Bell from MTPConnect and Jane Kelly from CMAX Clinical Research to discuss practical steps forward, including the need for more predictable access pathways and a system that keeps pace with scientific progress. Australia has the capability, but maintaining access for patients will require deliberate action. Because medical innovation only makes a difference when it reaches the people who need it.