The Hon Peter Dutton MP, Minister for Health for Australia, and the Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman, Minister of Health for New Zealand, today announced their governments’ agreement to cease efforts to establish a joint therapeutic products regulator, the Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Agency (ANZTPA). 

The decision was taken following a comprehensive review of progress and assessment of the costs and benefits to each country of proceeding.  

While work on ANZTPA will cease, our two countries will continue to co-operate on the regulation of therapeutic products where there are mutual benefits for consumers, businesses and regulators in each country. 

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and New Zealand’s Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority (Medsafe) will continue to explore other trans-Tasman regulatory harmonisation activities that represent potential value to both countries, and that build upon earlier business-to-business projects.

For more details, go to: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/health-mediarel-yr2014-dutton100.htm