Joint Regulatory Agency Welcomed by Medicines New Zealand

“A combined trans-Tasman medicines regulatory agency is good news for patients,” Medicines New Zealand General Manager Kevin Sheehy says.

“Creating the Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Agency has been a major challenge in the past and this achievement by the current Government is a substantial step forwards in improving co-operation between our two countries.

“As the association representing innovative pharmaceutical companies in New Zealand we welcome the current Government’s commitment to improving access to medicines in New Zealand. We believe streamlining approval processes between New Zealand and Australia through a combined agency will lead to efficiencies in providing access to medicines.

“Working with the Australian TGA, Medsafe is likely to continue ensuring the medicines in New Zealand meet the best international standards for quality and safety. A joint agency will reduce duplication of assessments while maintaining the appropriate level of resource locally to monitor the New Zealand market.”

The agreement between the countries includes the establishment of a single point of entry for medicines into the regulatory system supported by centres of excellence in each country for regulatory functions, such as surveillance of products on the market.

“Medicines have an important role to play in keeping Kiwis healthy and able to work. We support decisions that improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders.”

ENDS

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