Pharmaceuticals is a knowledge-based, technology-intensive industry that is uniquely placed to develop and commercialise the outcomes of Australia’s long term investment in medical research.
The Australian pharmaceuticals industry comprises bio-medical research, biotechnology firms, originator and generic medicines companies and service related segments including wholesaling and distribution. In 2009-10 the pharmaceuticals industry had a turnover of approximately $22 billion. With exports over $4.1 billion in 2009-10, pharmaceuticals were one of Australia’s major manufactured exports. The industry employed approximately 40,000 people in 2007-08 and spent around $1.02 billion on R&D in 2008-09. In 2009-10, the pharmaceuticals industry received $6.1 billion from PBS sales. Sales of complementary medicines are worth around $1.2 billion a year.
Further information on the Australian pharmaceuticals industry may be found below:
- Pharmaceuticals Industry Profile
Information on the Department’s role in the development of the pharmaceuticals industry.
- Australian Pharmaceuticals Industry Data Card
The Australian Pharmaceuticals Industry Data Card provides charts and statistics on industry turnover, employment, manufacturing value, growth in business expenditure on R&D and supplier market share.
- Pharmaceutical Industry Working Group
The Pharmaceutical Industry Working Group is chaired jointly by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research and the Minister for Health and Ageing and provides a forum where Government and industry representatives can discuss key issues.
- Regulation and Pricing in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Information about the regulatory requirements for quality and reimbursement of products in the pharmaceuticals industry.
- Intellectual Property Protection
Innovation is a major driver of commercial and economic growth and Intellectual Property (IP) protection is an essential requirement for pharmaceutical companies to be able to fund investment in research and development.
- Pharmaceuticals Industry Links
Links to sites related to the pharmaceuticals industry.
- Pharmaceuticals Partnerships Program (P3) Factsheet
The Pharmaceuticals Partnerships Program was a $150 million five year competitive entry program, focused on increasing the level of high quality pharmaceuticals R&D and the number of partnerships between pharmaceuticals companies and the research sector.
- Mammalian Cell Production Facility
Information on a one-off A$10 million grant to support the establishment of a small-scale mammalian cell production facility in Australia. Note that applications closed on 17 August 2007.
For enquiries regarding this website or further information on the pharmaceuticals industry please contact:
Pharmaceuticals and Health Technologies Section
Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
GPO Box 9839
Canberra ACT 2601
AUSTRALIA
Tel: +61 2 6276 1221
Email: pharmaceutical@innovation.gov.au
Pharmaceuticals Industry Strategy and Environment Section
Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
GPO Box 9839
Canberra ACT 2601
AUSTRALIA
Tel: +61 2 6213 6398
Email: pharmaceutical@innovation.gov.au