The government is now operating in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.
Reforms to the regulation of prescription medicines have been implemented in response to the recommendations arising from the Review of Medicines and Medical Devices Regulation.
The reforms include changes that will bring medicines to market sooner in Australia, while maintaining a robust framework for safety, quality and efficacy.
Reforms
Provisional approval pathway
The new provisional approval pathway allows for certain promising new medicines that show a major therapeutic advance for Australians to come to the market up to two years sooner than through standard processes.
Applying for a prescription medicine under the priority review pathway
The priority review pathway is a formal mechanism for faster assessment of vital and life-saving prescription medicines.
Notification process for minor variations to registered medicines
Introduction of a notification process for certain 'low risk' minor variations to registered medicines and biologicals, using electronic forms and automatic processes.
Comparable overseas regulators for prescription medicines
New processes allowing the better use of prescription medicine assessments from comparable international regulators and work-sharing with international regulators on joint evaluation reports.