The Australian advantage

Australia has a strong drug development pipeline with 154 compounds known to be in human clinical trials (Phase I to III), and a significant proportion (58%) of these in Phases II and III (Source: Hopper and Thorburn, 2008 BioIndustry Review: Australia and New Zealand). Major pharmaceutical companies including AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co., Novartis and Pfizer are recognising the depth and maturity of the Australian industry, seeing it as an ideal melting pot of smart ideas with the potential for real commercial outcomes.

In 2007, the number of clinical trials increased by over 200 per cent (Source: Ibid) and Australian organisations partnering with internationals represented 68 per cent of the announcements, an increase of 12 per cent on 2006 (Source: Ibid). These figures demonstrate the Australia’s strong drug pipeline will attract increased international involvement as more drugs will be nearing Phase II and III clinical trials.

Australian biotechnology companies continue to develop and bring drugs to market, including (Source: Ibid):

• CSL – cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil, marketed by Merck & Co.
• Biota – influenza drug, Relenza, marketed by GlaxoSmithKline.
• Peptech (now Arana Therapeutics) – IP related to anti-TNF drugs, Remicade, marketed by Centocor, and Humira, marketed by Abbott Laboratories.
• Sirtex Medical – liver cancer treatment, SIR-Spheres.
• Acrux – spray on hormone replacement therapy for women, EvaMist, was launched in the USA in April 2008 through KV Pharmaceuticals.

Located in the Asia-Pacific region and with a sound grasp of Asian business culture, Australia is becoming the country of choice for foreign investors looking for a strong and stable base in the region. Its unique geographic advantage also provides a bridge between the US and European time zones. Reverse seasonality with the US and Europe is a distinct advantage for conducting clinical trials.

These are some of the strengths that have and continue to attract global researchers and biotechnology companies to Australia.