Access to new cancer medicines in Australia: dispelling the myths and informing a public debate. Issue 1 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vitry, Agnes; Mintzes, Barbara; Lipworth, Wendy
• Is Part Of: Journal of pharmaceutical policy and practice. Volume 9:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 6
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Cancer medicines -- Funding -- High prices -- Consumer engagement -- Transparency -- Public debate; Pharmacy -- Research -- Periodicals; Pharmacy -- Research -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Pharmaceutical industry -- Periodicals; Pharmaceutical industry -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Pharmaceutical policy -- Periodicals; Pharmaceutical policy -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 615.1072
• DOI: 10.1186/s40545-016-0062-x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2052-3211

Abstract

Abstract Despite the high level of spending on cancer medicines in Australia, consumer organisations and the pharmaceutical industry often make claims of delayed or lack of access to new cancer medicines—claims that are frequently supported by prominent coverage in the Australian media. These claims, while morally and psychologically compelling, tend to ignore the complexity of medicines funding decisions. In this commentary we summarise the current situation regarding the registration and funding of cancer medicines in Australia, elucidate the main challenges associated with access to cancer medicines in the Australian context, and describe some of the steps that have been taken to address these challenges.