Dr Rathjen elected Pharmaceuticals Industry Council Chair

Dr Deborah Rathjen, Managing Director of Bionomics and Chair of AusBiotech, has been elected as the Chair of the Pharmaceuticals Industry Council (PIC). Dr Rathjen will hold this position until at least June 2014.

Dr Rathjen said she is delighted to be named the PIC’s Chair.

“The Australian biopharmaceuticals industry faces many serious challenges, such as the constant danger of further price cuts, a declining number of clinical trials conducted in this country, a shortage of incentives to support the growth of Australia’s medical biotechnology sector and a complete lack of globally competitive incentives to encourage manufacturing investment in Australia.

“Even so, with the rise of Asia, we have an incredible opportunity to position Australia as a regional biopharmaceutical manufacturing and R&D hub,” Dr Rathjen said.

“Australia boasts some of the world’s best scientists and research infrastructure. And we are world renowned for manufacturing medicines and vaccines of the very best quality.

“To capitalise on this unique opportunity, we need well-designed policies that encourage the full spectrum of activities in this high-value industry, from basic R&D to full-scale manufacturing.”

Dr Rathjen also paid tribute to her predecessor, Dr Martin Cross, who stepped down from the position in June.

“I want to thank Martin for his leadership of the PIC over the past 18 months. He is an exceptional advocate for the industry, and we will miss his enthusiasm and remarkable advocacy skills.”

Dr Rathjen said that she looks forward to working with fellow PIC members, the Australian Government and other stakeholders to ensure a positive operating environment for the Australian biopharmaceuticals industry.

About the PIC

Since 2006, the Pharmaceuticals Industry Council has been a forum for developing, evaluating and providing expert advice to government on issues affecting the Australian pharmaceuticals industry. It brings together senior executives from companies and peak bodies representing three industry sectors, including the research-based and generic medicines sectors and the biotechnology sector.

Collectively, these three sectors employ in excess of 40,000 highly skilled Australians, export over $4 billion worth of medicines annually and invest more than $1 billion per year in research and development collaborations with local hospitals, universities and research organisations. The industry is a major innovative contributor to the economy and one of the most R&D intensive industries in Australia.