Generic Medicines Working Group (GMWG) Communique - 26 February 2020

Page last updated: 18 March 2021

The Generic Medicines Working Group (GMWG) met in Canberra on 26 February 2020. Attendees included representatives from the Department of Health (the Department), the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) and pharmaceutical companies with an interest in generic and biosimilar medicines.

The purpose of the GMWG is to discuss and develop policies designed to support a generic medicines sector and increase confidence in and use of generic and biosimilar medicines in Australia.

During the meeting, members were provided with updates on the Biosimilar Policy subgroup, the PBS Transparency and Efficiency subgroup, and the Uptake, Pricing, Supply and Viability subgroup. Members were also provided with an update on the electronic prescribing and active ingredient prescribing measures which are now legislated and are being phased in through changes in prescribing software supported by education initiatives.

Members were provided with an update on the Biosimilar Education Grant, including a report on the GBMA Education and Biosimilar Forum and Workshop held on 2 October 2019.

In addition, an update on PBS process improvements consultation was provided. On 12 February 2020, a webinar was held to consult stakeholders on proposed cost recovery arrangements which, pending final government approval, would be implemented from 1 July 2020 as Stage 2 PBS Process Improvements. Further information on this work is available on the PBS webpage.

The Department will progress the actions arising from the meeting, including progressing agenda topics to the subgroups for discussion.

PDF version of Generic Medicines Working Group Communique 26 February 2020 (125 KB)