Pharmac and Medsafe have gained Government approval to explore the utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) in a bid to speed up their processes.
Associate Health Minister, David Seymour says faster access to medicines has always been a priority.
“For many New Zealanders, pharmaceuticals are life or death, or the difference between a life of pain and suffering or living freely,” Mr Seymour said.
“I believe that technology absorption greatly increases productivity and see Al playing a role in a more efficient Pharmac and Medsafe.
“Finding efficiencies in medicine assessment processes means patients can access the treatments they need faster.”
Minister Seymour wrote to Medsafe in June regarding the adoption of AI in its processes to help speed up assessments.
“I wanted to see if the use of AI could mean spending less time on tedious, repetitive tasks that often slow down the assessment process.”
“I am very encouraged by Medsafe’s response. This is something that they have welcomed and recognise could reduce assessment times.”
Some of the potential uses of AI in future within medicine regulation include:
- streamlining assessment report generation allowing Medsafe to more quickly provide information in the public domain;
- assisting with side effect profiles and trend assessments;
- assisting with large information dossier assessments as part of the analysis required for decision making on new medicine applications.
“I have also offered my support to Pharmac in empowering it to use Al in its work. I see this being a matter of priority in Pharmac’s new data and digital strategy. I have requested information on where some of the potential future uses of Al in Pharmac,” Mr Seymour said.
“Pharmac have responded and will be exploring opportunities for AI to increase medicines access. I look forward to continuing this discussion with them.
“We’re committed to ensuring that the regulatory system for pharmaceuticals is not unreasonably holding back access. It will lead to more Kiwis being able to access the medicines they need to live a fulfilling life.”
