If you want to learn more about some of the biggest pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Australia, then keep reading to discover the top ten most well-known companies in the industry. These are the names you’ll repeatedly encounter, so it’s good to know what each one does, which products they produce, and where their headquarters are located (among other things). If you’re thinking about manufacturing your pharmaceuticals and need some inspiration, take a look at these big players in this industry first.
Top 10 Pharmaceutical Companies in Australia
Pharmaceutical manufacturing is a booming industry in Australia. Many large and small pharmaceutical companies produce life-saving drugs exported to other countries for sale on open markets.
1. CSL Limited
CSL Limited (CSL) is one of Australia’s largest biotechnology companies. It is headquartered in Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria and was established by a Royal Charter on June 27, 1931. Its name stands for Commonwealth Serum Laboratories, and it plays an essential role in manufacturing vaccines and other pharmaceutical products exported to more than 100 countries worldwide.
CSL is a global healthcare company with an established track record of developing new medicines to address unmet medical needs. CSL focuses on human health and employs about 11,000 staff around the world. It has three operating divisions: Biologicals, Therapeutics and Vaccines.
2. Pfizer
Founded by German-American cousins Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart, Pfizer is now an international pharmaceutical company with several products under its belt. In Australia, Pfizer has offices in Sydney and Melbourne. Some of its most notable products include Lyrica (anti-epileptic drug), Viagra (used to treat erectile dysfunction) and Celebrex (for treatment of arthritis). The company is currently headquartered in New York City. The company has also contributed to the production of the COVID-19 Vaccine.
3. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Australia Pty Ltd
This company was established in 1973 and is based out of Sydney, NSW. They manufacture medicines for humans, as well as veterinary medicines for animals. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Australia Pty Ltd specialises in medications for mental health problems, infections and a wide range of other conditions. Their primary focus areas are pain management, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological diseases, respiratory problems and sleep disorders.
The group also develops drugs to protect people from lifestyle-related diseases like cancer or heart disease. Based on 2014 estimates, it is believed that Otsuka Pharmaceutical Australia Pty Ltd generates around $200 million per year. As a member of Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd., they follow their corporate mission to contribute to society through pharmaceuticals and healthcare services.
4. Roche Products Pty
Roche Products Pty has been manufacturing pharmaceuticals and biotechnology products for nearly 50 years. Headquartered in Sydney, Roche Products Pty produces over 100 products for various diseases and disorders, including cancer, asthma, meningitis, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and shingles. The company employs 200 full-time employees at its Australian headquarters and part-time workers.
In addition to production work, Roche Products Pty is also involved in product development research for many disease states that affect human health throughout Australia and other countries worldwide. As part of a global network of companies, Roche Products Pty stays up-to-date on new developments by collaborating with its sister international and within Australia.
5. Sanofi Australia
Sanofi is now one of the leading biopharmaceutical companies in Australia. Sanofi manufactures a wide range of pharmaceuticals, including drugs for mental illness, anti-infectives, vaccines and hormone replacement therapies. The company is located in North Sydney. It is also a globally recognised developer of drugs for HIV/AIDS and diabetes. Sanofi Australia’s headquarters are at Carlingford Road, Macquarie Park. Headquarters employs more than 500 people throughout Australia. They’re currently looking to fill positions such as applications analysts, quality assurance specialists and business consultants, among others.
Sanofi maintains a global presence with operations in over 100 countries. Its products can be found in 140 countries around the world. As far as revenue goes, it is estimated that Sanofi earned $21 billion on sales of $61 billion during 2013.
6. Seqirus
Seqirus is a pharmaceutical company based in Australia, making high-quality vaccines and biopharmaceuticals. The company has been operating since 2016 and specialises in making high-quality vaccines to treat conditions that are common throughout Asia, such as dengue fever and influenza. Seqirus pharmaceuticals have helped lower some of these diseases from being deadly to mild cases of illness.
Seqirus Pharmaceuticals manufactures several types of vaccines and treatments for infectious diseases like H5N1 bird flu, hepatitis B, hepatitis A & E viruses; respiratory diseases including seasonal flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and Ebola; gastrointestinal illnesses including noroviruses; Japanese encephalitis; disease outbreaks including Zika virus; Zika vaccine development.
7. Advanz Pharma Pty Ltd
Advanz Pharma Pty Ltd) is a pharmaceutical company engaged in developing, manufacturing and marketing branded pharmaceutical products. It also focuses on providing contract manufacturing services to third parties. Advanz Pharma is headquartered in Horsham, Victoria, Australia.
Advanz Pharma initially focused its business activities on producing generic drugs for other companies. Advanz Pharma became listed on ASX under code APZ In October 2003, and In August 2004, it changed its name to Advanz Pharma Limited. In May 2007, it relocated its headquarters from Beaconsfield Upper to Horsham.
In July 2012, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) acquired 100% of the Australian subsidiary of Advanz Pharma – GSK Consumer Healthcare’s affiliate. As part of an agreement between GSK and Australian authorities, it continued operation as a subsidiary but lost control over commercial decisions like pricing and new product development until 2016.
8. Menarini Australia Pty Ltd
Menarini Australia Pty Ltd is a pharmaceutical company specialising in producing quality pharmaceuticals for domestic and international markets. The organisation operates under corporate headquarters located in Sydney, NSW, with additional locations across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia. In addition to its domestic operations, Menarini maintains international branches located across Africa and Latin America. Menarini focuses on maintaining high manufacturing standards within each plant location by employing industry-trained staff to oversee production.
Menarini’s first manufacturing facility was established in New South Wales, operating under a business-to-business model. In 2008, Menarini transformed into a pharmaceutical company focusing on generic drug production.
9. Alexion Pharmaceuticals Australasia Pty Ltd
Pharmaceutical Manufacturer, Alexion Pharmaceuticals Australasia Pty Ltd distributes generic and brand-name drugs worldwide. Based in Queensland (Australia), Alexion Pharmaceuticals Australasia Pty Ltd is listed as a pharmaceutical manufacturer. Its products include Cardiovascular and Gastrointestinal Agents, Immunosuppressants, Vitamins and Minerals, Blood Glucose Regulators and Analgesics.
The company has operations across many countries, including Argentina, Chile, France, Germany and Spain in Europe; United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland; Canada; Switzerland; Finland; Denmark; Norway; Sweden; Israel; South Africa: Mexico: Costa Rica; United States of America: Brazil, China.
Alexion Pharmaceuticals Australasia Pty Ltd (Australia), trading as Alexion, is a pharmaceutical company that specialises in treating rare, genetic diseases such as haemophilia and life-threatening conditions such as lupus. The company employs over 13,000 people globally, and more than 2 million patients use its products.
10. Allergan Australia Pty Ltd
Allergan is headquartered in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. They employ approximately 1500 people and have over 50 manufacturing plants worldwide. They are one of five companies that dominate over 90% of pharmaceutical sales by volume in Australia: Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd, Pfizer Pty Ltd, GlaxoSmithKline Sanofi-Aventis Pty Ltd.
Allergan’s portfolio includes over 130 generic pharmaceutical products and more than 70 branded medications. They are considered one of Australia’s largest generic pharmaceutical manufacturers and have a strong focus on building export markets throughout the Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe, and North America.
Conclusion
Pharmaceutical manufacturing companies play a pivotal role in ensuring medical treatment and supplies are available to people all over Australia. They manufacture and supply everything from vaccines to non-prescription medications, and these industries wouldn’t be able to operate without pharmaceutical manufacturers. Pharmaceutical companies also have a crucial role in providing vital medical research. Producing generic versions of many prescriptions drugs help keep costs down for patients and ultimately improves access to quality healthcare.
FAQs
1. Do Australian manufacturers need FDA approval?
No. All manufacturers in Australia must adhere to national guidelines issued by Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
2. Do Australia import medicine?
Yes, some medicines are imported from other countries for sale in Australia.
In addition, some Australian-made medicines can be exported to other countries?
Yes. This is mainly done through international partnerships with pharmaceutical companies overseas.
3. Which body regulated drug manufacturing in AU?
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) regulates all medical practitioners and healthcare businesses in Australia under its national registration and accreditation schemes.
4. Where is the best place to find pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Australia?
There are many locations where you can find pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Australia. Some of the best locations include:
- Inner-city areas
- Industrial estates
- Suburbs with large-scale commercial business premises
References
https://www.tga.gov.au/personal-importation-scheme
https://www.nps.org.au/australian-prescriber/articles/the-australian-drug-regulatory-system