Medicines Australia strengthens leadership with new Board Directors amid HTA reform push

Medicines Australia has announced the appointment of five new Directors to its Board, alongside the re-appointment of Adam Roach for a second term.

The newly elected Directors include Tori Brown, President of North Asia-Pacific and General Manager of Australia and New Zealand at Lilly, Nirelle Tolstoshev, General Manager of Astellas Pharma, Owen Smith, General Manager of Australia and New Zealand at BMS, Kathryn Evans, Managing Director of BioMarin, and David Pearce, General Manager Oceania at Takeda.

Their election comes as the organisation fills vacant positions left by the resignations of Dirk Otto (Boehringer Ingelheim), Liz’e Marett (Astellas), Prashant Nikam (MSD), and Urs Voegeli (J&J). Additionally, Patrick Desbiens (GSK) opted not to recontest his position at the conclusion of his three-year term.

Smith expressed his gratitude upon his election, stating, “I am honoured to be elected to the Board of Medicines Australia and I would like to thank my colleagues for putting their faith in me.

“The 50 recommendations for reform in the HTA review, the capacity crisis at PBAC, and the recent rejection of significant new therapies here in Australia – despite their having been approved in leading economies across the globe – all show there is work to be done to improve access to medicines for Australians. I look forward to playing my part in Medicines Australia to effect positive change in our system and deliver the health benefits that all Australians deserve.”

Brown told Health Industry Hub, “I am honoured to have been elected to the Board of Medicines Australia, particularly considering the calibre of the talented, passionate and inspiring colleagues who were nominated to represent our important industry. In order to improve outcomes for patients, while becoming a global leader in innovation, we will need to drive meaningful change for our healthcare system. I’m optimistic that together we can drive this change.

“I take my role as Board Member extremely seriously and will give my utmost attention, commitment and dedication to achieving our collective strategic objectives. Representing the medicines industry here in Australia is a privilege that I do not take lightly. Onward and upward, patients are waiting.”

Tolstoshev added, “It’s a privilege to be elected to the Medicines Australia Board and to join a diverse group of leaders working together to accelerate access to innovative medicines for all Australians. I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting started, particularly contributing to the momentum around the HTA prioritisation and reform.”

Adam Roach, VP and Head of Asia Pacific at BeiGene, successfully secured his position for a second term. He remarked, “It’s an honour to continue working alongside my colleagues in the industry to ensure Australians have timely access to life-saving treatments.

“With important reforms on the horizon, including the implementation of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) reform, I am more dedicated than ever to advocating for a healthcare system that truly meets the needs of patients. Together, we can drive meaningful change and elevate the role of our industry in Australia’s healthcare landscape.”

Outgoing Medicines Australia Chair, Dr Anna Lavelle AM, welcomed the new Directors, noting their extensive experience will be vital over the next three years.

“On behalf of the membership and the Board, I congratulate the successful Directors and welcome their expertise and leadership at this critical time for our industry and for patients in Australia,” Dr Lavelle said.

“The combination of experienced Board Directors and some new Directors will ensure stability and provide fresh insights. The last year has been one of progress, unwavering unity of purpose, and it’s through our collective commitment to advancing healthcare and access to world-class medicines, biotherapeutics, and vaccines for all Australians, that we have a HTA Review.”

Dr Lavelle further emphasised, “There is now real momentum for modernising Australia’s HTA system, and the impetus for change has never been stronger. I thank my fellow Board Directors who have served this year for their dedication and industry leadership, and wish every success to those Directors who have served and moved on during the year.”

Liz de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia, also welcomed the new Directors, expressing her eagerness to collaborate with them.

“I am looking forward to working with the Board as we implement HTA reforms, complete actions in the Strategic Agreement, and ensure Australia’s competitiveness as a preferred destination for clinical trials remains,” de Somer said. “These are our collective priorities and require a laser-like focus from the Board, all members, and Medicines Australia.”

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