Medicines Australia’s CEO steps into HTA Review Committee as current member moves to global Board position

Pharma News: CEO of Medicines Australia, Elizabeth de Somer, has been appointed as the medicines industry representative on the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review Reference Committee.

The appointment was made yesterday by the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler MP. This position on the HTA Review Reference Committee was previously held by John Young who has been elected to the Novartis Board of Directors earlier this month and is unable to continue to serve the Committee in a voluntary capacity.

Mr Butler recognised Ms de Somer’s understanding of the issues, extensive industry experience, willingness to work collaboratively with all interested stakeholders, and commitment to reforming HTA in the best interest of all Australians.

“It is an honour to represent the medicines industry and take part in ensuring the reforms needed to speed up patient access to innovative medicines,” Ms de Somer said.

Ms de Somer stepped immediately into this role and thanked Mr Young for his service to date.

“On behalf of the Medicines Australia Board and the medicines industry, I wish to thank John for his exemplary contribution to the HTA Review Reference Committee and wish him all the best with his new role,” Ms de Somer stated.

“John is a globally experienced industry leader and Medicines Australia is extremely pleased with what he has achieved on behalf of the medicines industry and will continue through a prominent and important Board position.

“The HTA Review is a crucial step in improving access to innovative medicines for all Australians. Success will hinge on a strong voice for reform and a collaborative approach – I intend to bring both to this important appointment,” she said.

Mr Young joined Pfizer in 1987 as a sales representative and held positions of increasing seniority across the company, including as a member of Pfizer’s Executive Leadership Team from 2012. As Pfizer’s Group President and Chief Business Officer from 2019 until 2022, John also played an integral role in the development and delivery of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine prior to accepting his new role with Novartis.

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