Medicines New Zealand Statement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations

6 October 2015

Medicines New Zealand believes signing of the TPP has potential to boost the New Zealand economy by between $2-4 billion per year, open up new markets for our exporters, and allow New Zealanders improved access to innovative and beneficial goods including medicines and vaccines.

There appears to be no change in the cost of subsidised medicines to patients as a result of TPP, which is a good outcome for New Zealanders.

It is disappointing that better IP protection for novel biologic medicines through data exclusivity has not been agreed to, but it is positive that at least a baseline protection will now exist across the TPP countries.

“While we are yet to see the full details of the agreement, we are pleased that some aspects of timeliness and transparency in the PHARMAC process appear to have been addressed, without any change to the PHARMAC structure” said Hon Heather Roy, Chair of Medicines New Zealand.

“We have consistently asked for definitive timelines for decision-making on medicines and vaccine funding applications and an appeals process to be put in place.”

“New Zealanders deserve the same level of medical treatment as other first world countries. We hope the Trans-Pacific Partnership will open doors for New Zealand, making the economy wealthier and the people healthier.”

ENDS

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