Australian Government Orders Review of Drug and Device Regulations

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The Australian government has announced that experts will review the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) framework for the regulation of medicines and medical devices.

According to a 24 October 2014 announcement by Health Minister Peter Dutton and Assistant Minister for Health Fiona Nash, the review “will identify ways to assist medicine and medical device producers and suppliers struggling with complex and costly regulatory pathways.”  

A Panel of three experts will examine TGA’s regulatory framework and consult with health professionals, industry, consumers and other stakeholders to identify areas of unnecessary, duplicative, or ineffective regulation that could be removed or streamlined.  The Review Panel will consist of: the former Chair of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, Emeritus Professor Lloyd Sansom; the former Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health, Professor John Horvath; and the former Managing Director of Merck, Sharp & Dohme in Australia, Mr. Will Delaat.

(Announcement)