13 August, 2024 - Supply Status of Sterile Fluid Products in Australia

Press Release

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Patient care is our top priority. Currently, there is significantly heightened demand for intravenous (IV) and irrigation fluids across Australia due in part to supply limitations and manufacturing issues from other suppliers1. Demand is also being impacted by other market factors, including an increase in hospital admissions for elective surgeries, as reported by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.  

Our Australian manufacturing plant in Old Toongabbie, New South Wales, has proudly served Australia for over 50 years. The site has recently added additional capabilities to operate at historically high volumes and full capacity to help meet the rising demand for intravenous (IV) and irrigation products.  

We are acting expeditiously to support all customers during this dynamic situation including prioritising supply continuity for hospitals based on urgent need. We are also taking several other actions to minimise the impact of this situation. These actions include: 

  1. Supplemental importation of additional units. 
  2. Working closely with regulatory bodies and state procurement departments to help facilitate supply for urgent need.   
  3. Offering Medical Affairs support on product management efforts. 
  4. Investing in additional local manufacturing capacity expansion efforts that are anticipated to start later this year.  

We thank our customers for their continued support and unwavering care for patients and for partnering with us to meet the needs of the national healthcare system. 

1. Therapeutic Goods Administration, About the shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids, 2024. https://www.tga.gov.au/about-IV-fluids-shortages. Accessed August 12, 2024. 

 

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