Streamlined access to over counter meds
A new streamlined process for assessing medicines sold over the counter took effect from the 15 April 2013, marking a major step towards establishing a single Trans-Tasman regulatory agency for therapeutic products.
A new streamlined process for assessing medicines sold over the counter took effect from the 15 April 2013, marking a major step towards establishing a single Trans-Tasman regulatory agency for therapeutic products.
New Zealand Health Minister, Tony Ryall, and Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Shayne Neumann, made the announcement recently.
“For the past 18 months regulators, industry and consumers on both sides of the Tasman have been working together to streamline and harmonise processes for approvals for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines,” Minister Ryall said.
“The common approach to processing applications for medicines sold over the counter signals a significant step towards establishing the new agency.
“These reforms introduce more predictability for companies wishing to supply OTC medicines in Australia and New Zealand,” Mr Neumann added.
“The new processes are largely administrative but will lead to greater transparency and a faster process without compromising the level of scrutiny applied to ensure OTC medicines meet the exacting standards expected by all consumers.”
The new processes will be rolled out over the next 12 months. More information is available on the TGA, Medsafe and ANZTPA websites.
