Trump has flagged 200% tariffs on Australian pharmaceuticals. What do we produce here, and what’s at risk?

By Joe Carrello, The University of Melbourne US President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Australia’s pharmaceutical exports to the United States has raised alarm among industry and government leaders. There are fears that, if implemented, the tariffs could cost the Australian economy up to A$2.8 billion. That’s both in direct exports and as inputs to…

CSL’s mRNA Covid-19 vaccine approved for sale in Japan

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has approved biotechnology manufacturer CSL and Arcturus Therapeutics’ new Covid-19 vaccine against the JN.1 strain of the disease. The ministry approved for sale the two companies’ ‘updated self-amplifying mRNA Covid-19 vaccine for protection against JN.1 Strain’, to be distributed in Japan by Meiji Seika Pharma. According to CSL…

Towards 3% R&D – patent box still missing from innovation system by BDO

Today in our editorial series – Towards 3% R&D – Turbocharging Australia’s Innovation Effort – Daniel Splatt and Michelle Tan highlight the benefits of a patent box system, much advocated but missing from our innovation ecosystem. The World Intellectual Property Organisation’s Global Innovation Index has revealed a steady decline in Australia’s knowledge, technology, and creative…

Towards 3% R&D – Medical manufacturing to propel the economy by Dig Howitt of Cochlear

Australia’s R&D effort is focused around medical technologies and here in our editorial series – Towards 3% R&D – Turbocharging Australia’s Innovation Effort – Dig Howitt of Cochlear outlines the way ahead to support innovation in the sector. Cochlear has long been a pioneer in innovation. It has reshaped hearing technology and made substantial contributions…

Towards 3% R&D – Why business innovation is faltering by Dr John Howard

Faltering business expenditure on R&D is a major factor in Australia’s poor innovation performance. Today in our editorial series – Towards 3% R&D – Turbocharging Australia’s Innovation Effort – Dr John Howard identifies businesses’ failings. This is an edited excerpt (full paper link below). From 1981 to 1995, Australian businesses made steady progress in lifting…