Tuesday, 14 July 2026
RACGP presidential candidates announced, Pharmacy policy report critiques, Vic Libs promise payroll tax relief
- 01
Two GPs Announce Candidacy for RACGP Presidency
Dr Ramya Raman and Dr Anita Muñoz have declared their intentions to run for the RACGP presidency in the upcoming election. Dr Raman, the current RACGP Vice President and WA Chair, emphasised the need for policy that centres on GPs and patient safety. Dr Muñoz, the RACGP Victoria Chair, highlighted her concerns about funding and recognition for GPs. Nominations close on 20 July, with the campaigning period set from 24 July to 21 August.
- 02
Grattan Institute report criticises Australian pharmacy policy
The Grattan Institute's new report criticises the Community Pharmacy Agreement, claiming it has led to significant waste of taxpayer funds and hindered necessary reforms in the pharmacy sector. The report highlights the Pharmacy Guild of Australia's political influence and calls for major changes, including the discontinuation of the agreement and the integration of pharmacists into primary care. It argues that current dispensing fees lack empirical justification and that ownership rules have not prevented market consolidation. The report has garnered support from the RACGP and AMA, who advocate for evidence-based policy and the effective use of pharmacists' expertise in general practice.
- 03
Vic Libs propose payroll tax relief for GPs ahead of election
The Liberal and National parties in Victoria have pledged to provide payroll tax exemptions for general practice if elected in the upcoming state election. This commitment, reiterated by opposition leader Jess Wilson, aims to alleviate financial pressures on GPs and small businesses. The RACGP has urged the Labor party to match this promise, highlighting the challenges faced by general practices in the state. Current provisions offer only partial exemptions based on bulk billing, contrasting with the complete exemption available in Queensland.
- 04
Freenome's colorectal cancer test shows improved detection rates
Freenome announced that its updated blood-based colorectal cancer screening test, SimpleScreen CRC, met its primary and secondary endpoints in a pivotal validation study. The test demonstrated improved sensitivity, achieving 80.4% for colorectal cancer and 18.2% for advanced precancerous lesions, compared to its first-generation version. Abbott, which has a collaboration agreement with Freenome, plans to commercialise the test pending FDA approval. Analysts suggest these results position Abbott to become a dominant player in colorectal cancer screening.
via BioPharma Dive
- 05
Agenus Shifts Focus in Colorectal Cancer Treatment Strategy
Agenus has announced a significant change in its clinical development strategy for colorectal cancer, abandoning its late-stage trial of the immunotherapy combination BOT+BAL. The company will redirect $340 million in funding towards testing this regimen in the neoadjuvant setting for certain colon cancers, which it claims could represent an annual sales opportunity exceeding $7 billion. This pivot follows a trend in drug development aimed at enhancing treatment options for patients with colorectal cancer. The company's shares doubled in early trading following the announcement.
via BioPharma Dive
- 06
Q32 Bio's alopecia drug shows promising Phase 2 trial results
Q32 Bio reported that its experimental drug bempikibart achieved significant hair growth in a Phase 2 trial for alopecia areata, with 40% of participants regrowing enough hair to cover 80% of their scalp after 36 weeks. This outcome exceeded Wall Street expectations and led to an 80% surge in the company's stock price. The trial results follow previous setbacks, prompting Q32 to focus resources on bempikibart after restructuring. The drug aims to provide a safer alternative to existing biologics, with a mechanism that targets immune pathways involved in hair follicle damage.
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.