GBMA Education Ltd, the educational arm of the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association, is pleased to confirm that the inaugural “Biosimilar Week” will run from 29 April to 3 May 2019.
The week will commence with an official announcement from the Hon Greg Hunt, Health Minister, highlighting the critical role that biosimilar medicines play in the future of a sustainable healthcare system in Australia.
Biosimilar Week is an integral component of a comprehensive 3-year education program focusing on the appropriate use of biosimilar medicines, which has been developed collaboratively by experts across medical specialities, government and the medicines industry.
The Program is coordinated by GBMA Education and funded by the Australian Government through the Biosimilar Educational Grant, announced in April 2018.
“The Government is proud of its support for the $5 million Biosimilar Education Grant. The aim of the grant is to support awareness of, and confidence in, the use of biosimilar medicines for healthcare professionals and consumers. The inaugural Biosimilar Week will generate rich discussion around the role for biosimilar medicines in Australia,” said Minister Hunt.
The week’s activities will include:
– launch of an interactive online education hub
– literature updates on biosimilar medicines and medical education for
speciality groups and pharmacists
– details of 2019 educational events
– video talks from multi-disciplinary Australian specialists, providing the latest
insights and experience around the use of biosimilar medicines.
Advances in biological medicines have supported substantial improvements in the lives of many Australians living with a range of illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease and cancer.
As the registration, adoption and ongoing use of biosimilar medicines increases, lower prices for biological medicines could provide Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidies for broader access to medicines and enable investment in further research into life- changing therapies.
Marnie Peterson, GBMA Education CEO, appreciates the extensive support provided by a wide range of healthcare and industry professionals in developing the program so far, and is looking forward to continuing this valuable consultation process.
“GBMA Education extends grateful thanks to the many experts who have offered significant assistance in developing a robust and relevant educational program for healthcare professionals, launching in Biosimilar Week,” she said.
“We welcome the opportunity to partner with the Australian Government on delivering this program under the Biosimilar grant and look forward to facilitating further discussion and debate in this important and rapidly evolving area of medicine.”
Healthcare professionals are invited to register their interest for Biosimilar Week and the 2019 Education Program here: biosimilarweek.com.au