Tuesday, 16 June 2026
Victoria ADHD training for GPs, Early egg introduction reduces allergies, Avant opposes pharmacist prescribing
- 01
Victoria trains GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD
Victoria has opened expressions of interest for GPs to receive training in diagnosing, treating, and prescribing for ADHD in adults and children aged six and above. The initiative aims to reduce the current wait times of six to 12 months and high costs associated with ADHD diagnosis, which can exceed $2,000. The training, provided by the RACGP, will empower GPs to perform roles traditionally held by specialists, addressing significant access issues in the healthcare system. The Victorian government has allocated $750,000 to train an initial 150 GPs by September, with a focus on improving access in underserved areas.
- 02
Early Egg Introduction Linked to Reduced Allergy Rates in Infants
Australian research indicates that earlier introduction of egg into infants' diets correlates with a decrease in egg allergy prevalence. Following updated infant feeding guidelines in 2016, which recommended introducing allergenic foods within the first year, a study found that the prevalence of egg allergy declined among infants. The research, involving over 7,200 infants, showed that the proportion of infants introduced to egg by six months increased significantly, contributing to a relative decrease in egg allergy rates. The findings suggest effective guideline implementation may lead to lower food allergy prevalence.
- 03
Avant Mutual opposes pharmacist prescribing rights citing safety concerns
Avant Mutual has publicly opposed the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s push for pharmacist prescribing rights, citing patient safety as a primary concern. Avant's chief medical officer, Professor Steve Robson, highlighted that nearly one in six regulatory or civil claims involves prescribing issues, indicating significant risks for patients. He emphasised the need for a nationally consistent prescribing framework that includes input from all health professions, contrasting with the Pharmacy Guild's recent report that lacked mention of cross-profession collaboration. This stance marks a notable shift for Avant, which has typically avoided engaging in scope expansion debates.
- 04
Cochrane PSA review questions prostate cancer screening efficacy
A recent Cochrane review update on PSA screening for prostate cancer has raised concerns about its effectiveness. While the review indicates a slight reduction in prostate cancer-specific mortality, it found no significant impact on overall survival and highlighted risks of overdiagnosis. The review synthesised data from six trials involving nearly 790,000 men, revealing that PSA screening increased early-stage cancer diagnoses without substantially reducing advanced disease incidence. These findings may influence prostate cancer management practices in primary care.
- 05
New therapeutic approaches for celiac disease under investigation
Celiac disease, affecting approximately one in 100 people globally, has long been managed solely through a gluten-free diet. However, emerging therapies are shifting this paradigm, as companies like First Tracks Biotherapeutics explore treatments targeting inflammatory pathways associated with the disease. Their investigational antibody, ANB033, aims to modulate immune responses linked to mucosal injury, with a Phase 1b study currently enrolling patients. Results from this study, expected in late 2026, could provide new therapeutic options for managing celiac disease beyond dietary restrictions.
via BioPharma Dive
- 06
J&J's Talvey shows promise in earlier multiple myeloma treatment
Johnson and Johnson's combination of Darzalex Faspro and Talvey has significantly reduced the risk of disease progression or death in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Data presented at the European Hematology Association annual meeting indicate a reduction in the risk of death by up to 53% and disease progression by up to 72% compared to standard regimens. These results may lead to a label expansion for Talvey, which is a bispecific antibody recently approved for patients with multiple myeloma. J&J aims to enhance its oncology portfolio amidst declining sales of its autoimmune drug Stelara.
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.