What plans do Australian governments have to ensure an adequate supply of IVIg?
The availability of IVIg in Australia relative to clinical need has been reviewed repeatedly since at least the early 1990s. Three approaches have been used to ensure an adequate supply: • aligning the use of IVIg to conditions and circumstances where there is evidence of benefit; • increasing the manufacture of domestic IVIg; and • importing IVIg from overseas suppliers. In 2005, the National Blood Authority introduced arrangements for the contingent supply of overseas IVIg. Under this arrangement, overseas IVIg is used to supplement the domestic IVIg supply in the event domestic production does not meet demand.
