PROPOSED TRANS-TASMAN AUTHORITY REQUESTS INDUSTRY INPUT

The Australian and New Zealand governments have called for further comments from industry on the proposed Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Authority (ANZTPA). At a recent interim ministerial council meeting, officials from both countries discussed the importance of consultation with interested parties.

The aim of the proposed joint authority is to regulate the safety, quality and effectiveness of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, complementary medicines, medical devices, tissue and cellular therapies and blood and blood products in both countries.

"Consultation is crucial in ensuring the new regulatory scheme meets the overall objective of safeguarding public health and safety," said Annette King, New Zealand's minister for state services. "It is an opportunity for industry, other stakeholders and consumers to provide input into how the scheme will operate."

The first round of public meetings was held in both countries in June. The next round is expected to begin in mid-September. Interested parties will discuss the draft advertising rule, the draft rule for blood and blood components and the proposed regulatory scheme for human cellular and tissue therapies, among other topics.

More information about the proposed trans-Tasman authority, along with details on how to make a submission, can be found on the ANZTPA's website at www.anztpa.org (http://www.anztpa.org).