Big Pharma to stockpile 500 generic drugs to combat shortages

The deal will give the Federal Government more time to secure alternatives in the event of long-term supply issues
Elizabeth de Somer
Elizabeth de Somer.

Drug companies will have to keep up to six months’ supply of low-cost generic PBS medicines in Australia under a deal with the Federal Government to prevent shortages.

The agreement with Medicines Australia means that, from 2023, maintaining an onshore stockpile will become a condition of PBS listing for drugs under certain PBS price thresholds.