Thursday, 28 May 2026
New bulk billing consent rules, TGA approves insulin delay drug, Diphtheria outbreak linked to inequalities
- 01
New Bulk Billing Consent Requirement to Impact Australian GPs
From 1 July 2026, Australian medical practices must obtain assignment of benefit consent from patients in an auditable electronic form to bulk bill. This change poses significant cash flow challenges for GPs, as practices will need to adapt to new workflows, particularly in high-volume settings. The requirement coincides with three other regulatory changes that also affect cash flow, impacting around 7,000 practices across the country. The shift from paper to electronic consent aims to streamline the process but raises concerns about patient compliance and understanding.
- 02
TGA approves first drug to delay insulin in type 1 diabetes
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved a landmark biologic that may delay the need for insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes by multiple years. Experts and advocates have welcomed this significant advancement in treatment options. This approval represents a notable development in the management of type 1 diabetes, potentially impacting patient care and treatment strategies.
- 03
Diphtheria outbreak in Australia linked to health inequalities
A diphtheria outbreak has emerged across four Australian states, potentially linked to systemic health inequalities in remote communities. The outbreak has resulted in over 230 cases since January 2026, with one possible death reported in the Northern Territory. Contributing factors include inadequate housing, lack of washing facilities, and under-investment in preventive health care, particularly affecting Aboriginal communities. The federal government has pledged A$7.2 million to address the outbreak, collaborating with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.
- 04
Insulet recalls 7 million insulin patch pumps over leak risk
Insulet has recalled 7 million insulin patch pumps due to a risk of tubing tears that can cause insulin leakage. This issue affects specific lots of the Omnipod 5, Omnipod DASH, and older Omnipod Insulin Management System devices. The company has reported 24 serious adverse events, including hospitalisations and cases of diabetic ketoacidosis, although no deaths have been linked to the recall. Insulet anticipates costs of up to $50 million related to the recall, primarily for pod replacements and customer support.
via MedTech Dive
- 05
Kailera's obesity drug shows promising Phase 1 trial results
Kailera announced that its triple-acting obesity shot, KAI-4729, led to double-digit weight loss in a Phase 1 trial conducted in China, with participants losing up to 16% of their body weight over 12 weeks. This result compares favourably to Eli Lilly's triple-G drug, which reported less than 10% weight loss at the same time point. Kailera plans to initiate its own Phase 1 trial outside China, with results expected in 2027, while Hengrui advances the drug into Phase 2 trials in China. The trial demonstrated favourable safety and tolerability, with mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects.
via BioPharma Dive
- 06
Apogee to Begin Phase 3 Trials for Eczema Treatment
Apogee Therapeutics announced it will commence Phase 3 studies for its eczema treatment, APG777, following successful Phase 2 results. The late-stage trials will involve approximately 400 patients each in three placebo-controlled studies, assessing the drug's efficacy in combination with topical corticosteroids. This treatment aims to provide a more convenient administration schedule, with injections required only two to four times a year. The latest data suggests APG777 may offer improved efficacy compared to existing therapies like Dupixent.
via BioPharma Dive
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.