New program to support medicines repurposing

The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has commenced a new Medicines Repurposing Program (MRP) to expand treatment options and improve health outcomes for Australians. 

The MRP will identify new uses for existing medicines registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). It aims to facilitate and encourage the ARTG registration and consideration by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) for listings on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).  

More information on the Medicines Repurposing Program is available on the TGA website. 

Identification of potential medicines suitable for repurposing 

The program will work with clinicians, health organisations, patient groups, researchers, pharmaceutical companies and other interested members of the public to identify opportunities for repurposing.  

 Individuals and organisations, can propose new uses for existing medicines, supported by accepted clinical practice and/or publicly available literature, through the nomination form. The program is encouraging nominations with a clear public health benefit substantiated by evidence of established clinical practice.