Australian Biosimilar Trade Group Names New Chair

Australia’s Generic Biosimilars Medicines Association (GBMA) has named health policy expert Jane Halton, AO, PSM, to chair the group in its efforts to expand access and affordable care. The GBMA is a trade association of generic and biosimilar medicine suppliers in Australia. Halton replaces Sylvain Vigneault, who has chaired the GBMA for 2 years.

Halton previously served as chair of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and co-chair of COVAX, the vaccines component of the ACT Accelerator, a global collaboration to speed up the development and production of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tests, treatments, and vaccines. She is also a former secretary of the Australian departments of Health and Finance.

In her biography with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a global health research center at the University of Washington, Halton is described as having extensive experience with finance, insurance, risk management, information technology, human resources, health and aging, sport, public policy, and international affairs. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Sydney and the university of Canberra. She has previously served on the executive board of the World Health Organization.

“To return to my domestic health policy roots and lead the GBMA, at such a significantly important time for Australian patients and our vital health care community, is a challenge I am delighted to embrace,” Halton said. “As we look to the arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine for our citizens, we also need to be vigilant that all Australians continue to receive the medicines they need, when they need them.”