Revised Guidelines for OTC Medicines (29 November 2011)
The TGA has invited comment on proposed changes to the regulatory guidelines for OTC medicines. Closing date for comments is 11th February 2012, and proposed changes can be viewed on TGA website. (Source: www.tga.gov.au)
Australia to be the First Country to Adopt New Internationally Harmonised Sunscreen Standards (23 November 2011)
Changes include the new definition of “Broad Spectrum” UVA, based on a test which is more stringent than current; and for SPF, a modified test method. Read about these changes in Dermatest’s newsletter. (Source: Dermatest)

Compositional Guidelines for Complementary Medicine Ingredients (22 November 2011)
Compositional guidelines for “added alpha-casozepine enriched hydrolysed milk protein”, “DHA-rich oil derived from microalgae Schizochytrium sp.”, “Steviol glycosides” and “Zeaxanthin” have been added to the TGA website. (Source: TGA)
TGA Presentations on GMP Posted on Website (22 November 2011)
Topics include GMP audits, clinical trials, release of therapeutic goods for supply in Australia, and quality risk management. (Source: http://www.tga.gov.au/newsroom/events-presentations-manuf.htm)
Pain Killers Containing Dextropropoxyphene to be Cancelled (22 November 2011)
The product names are Capadex, Di-Gesic, Doloxene and Paradex. These products will be cancelled from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods on 1st March 2012. The TGA believes that the risks (serious adverse cardiovascular events) outweigh the benefits. (Source: TGA)
Serial Fraudster Peter Foster Arrested over SensaSlim Controversy (22 November 2011)
Peter Foster was arrested on November 11th and placed into custody over the SensaSlim nasal spray, which was marketed with false claims. Foster has been convicted previously over Bai Lin slimming tea, the Chaste Corporation, financial crimes in the Pacific island countries, and was controversially an adviser to Cherie Blair, the wife of then British PM Tony Blair. (Source: ACCC)
Deer velvet antler now permitted in listed medicines (17 October 2011)
The TGA has announced that deer velvet antler and slice, from two species of deer farmed in New Zealand, is now permitted as an active ingredient in listed medicines. Deer velvet has a long history of use as an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicines (Source: http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2011L02069).
New Zealand Natural Health Products Bill passes first reading (17 October 2011).
The NZ Natural Health Products Bill is intended to regulate “therapeutic type dietary supplements” (as opposed to food-type, which are now covered by a Food Standard). The bill will also provide a list of prohibited ingredients and a list of ingredients that can be used in natural health products. A simple process for adding new ingredients to the list of those that can be used is also proposed. There will be a three-year transitional period to assist the industry comply with the new regulation (Source: NZ Government ministerial press release).