Australian and New Zealand Governments Agree to Proceed with the Joint Regulatory Agency for Therapeutic Products

Abstract

In 2011, the Australian and New Zealand governments announced their decision to proceed with a joint scheme for the regulation of therapeutic products such as medicines, medical devices and new medical interventions. Eventually, the joint arrangements will be administered by a single regulatory entity: the Australian and New Zealand Therapeutic Products Agency (ANZTPA). The rationale for establishing ANZTPA is based on public health and economic principles. This paper explores the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed therapeutic products legislation, which will repeal the Medicines Act (NZ) - the Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill.