"Accusations of deliberately created shortages in the supply of cheaper, generic medicines in Australia reported today in the Daily Telegraph are unfounded," Medicines Australia Chief Executive Ian Chalmers said today.
The article claims that the supply of older medicines is being deliberately manipulated to force people to buy newer, more expensive medicines.
"I call on anyone who believes they may have evidence of market manipulation to take their concerns directly to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
"The Australian Government will only allow pharmaceutical companies to charge higher prices for innovative new medicines if consumers also have access to older, generic alternatives at a cheaper price. The Government subsidises wholesalers and pharmacists to ensure they always carry a range of lower cost generic medicines.
"Innovative pharmaceutical companies are focused on researching, developing and supplying leading edge medicines so patients can get the medicines they need, when they need them." Mr Chalmers said.
Medicines Australia companies are committed to working with the Australian Government to ensure that Australia's health care system, based on patient choice and universal access, remains one of the best in the world.