Life Sciences Insights

06 December 2005

Welcome to the December edition of Clayton Utz Life Sciences Insights. In this edition we examine the regulatory reforms to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme introduced as part of our commitment under the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement.

We also walk along the border between food and therapeutic goods, find out the dos and don'ts of comparative advertising, and consider a new Code which helps listed life science companies understand their disclosure requirements.

Finally, we will see whether rules on experimenting with patented goods will change.

Food/therapeutic goods interface: Can apples be compared to orange pills?

By Lisa Kurian and Madeleine Kearney.

The line between food and therapeutic product can be difficult to draw. Lisa Kurian and Madeleine Kearney look at the different definitions and the risks of comparative advertising between a product marketed as a food and a therapeutic good.

Quick dose

In brief: the "Working Together" Guide is a guide to relationships between health consumer organisations and pharmaceutical companies; and new TGA proposal on public access to the ARTG.

8.5 rules of comparative advertising

By Greg Williams and Amber Hawkes.

Greg Williams and Amber Hawkes navigate the rules on comparative advertising.

Code of best practice for reporting by life science companies

By Robyn Baker and Vanessa Baic.

When must listed life sciences companies make disclosures under the ASX Listing Rules? Robyn Baker and Vanessa Baic explain AusBiotech's helpful new code which helps life science companies understand their obligations.

Is Australian law on patents and experimental use about to be clarified?

By Nicholas Tyacke.

Both the ALRC and ACIP have recommended that experimental use be clarified in the Patents Act, says Nicholas Tyacke.

Key Contacts