Media Release dt 22/05/2024

Australian Patients Association Expresses Concern Over Ban on Compounded Weight Loss Drugs, Calls for Immediate Government Action to Secure Supply

The Australian Patients Association (APA) acknowledges the decision by the Honourable Minister of Health and regulatory bodies to ban compounded weight loss medications, including Ozempic and Mounjaro, effective this October.

APA CEO David Clarke said, “While respecting and supporting the intent behind prioritizing patient safety and regulatory compliance, we are critically concerned about the government’s current inability to successfully secure a stable supply to the Australian market of these essential medications from manufacturers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.”

“The imminent ban without secured alternatives will disrupt the treatment continuity for thousands of Australians relying on these drugs to manage diabetes and obesity—conditions that significantly challenge our health system.”

“We urge the government to use the four-month window before the ban is implemented to do everything it can to secure an adequate supply of these medications. Many other countries have a stable supply, but so far the Australian government has failed to achieve that, while at the same time banning the compounding of the product locally” he said.

“Studies show that for every forty overweight Australians who lose access to these medications, one is likely to suffer a heart attack. The government must act decisively to avoid such dire health consequences by ensuring these medications are available.”

“We urge the Australian Government to implement measures to ensure that the supply of these critical drugs to meet the needs of our population without delay.” Mr Clarke said.

The Australian Patients Association remains dedicated to collaborating with health authorities, the government, and industry partners to ensure that all Australians have uninterrupted access to necessary medications.

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Contact:

David Clarke, Chief Executive Officer at dclarke@patients.org.au, Mobile: 0416 156 923