Support For JTA

Thu, 17 June 2004

Researched Medicines Industry Association Declares Support For JTA

The Researched Medicines Industry Association of New Zealand (RMI) declared today (June 17, 2004) that it fully supports the establishment of the Australia-New Zealand Joint Therapeutics Agency (JTA). Lesley Clarke, Chief Executive Officer of the RMI, the professional and trade organisation of New Zealand's research-based pharmaceutical industry said: `We believe that the JTA will provide our member companies with a single point of entry to Australasia for new innovative researched-based medicines. It will establish a first class regulatory system, which will equip New Zealand for the 21st century. And most importantly, New Zealanders will be assured that their therapeutic products will be safe, effective and of the highest quality.

`New Zealand and Australian companies will benefit from being part of a larger regional grouping with products controlled under the auspices of a respected regulatory authority with sufficient critical mass to ensure world-class evaluation, control and audit functions. A common regulatory regime will also provide access to a greater pool of scientific expertise. In turn, these factors will provide consumers with rapid access to new and innovative medicines.

'Increasing the profile of New Zealand as a market for therapeutic products and place to conduct research activities will also help achieve the RMI's and the New Zealand Government's stated aims of stimulating international investment in the New Zealand knowledge economy.'

About the RMI The RMI's 18 member companies are engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription medicines and the ongoing improvement of medical and scientific knowledge about their products for the benefit of all New Zealanders.

ENDS

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