Novartis Connect will simplify access to nominated, on-label TGA approved, Novartis medicines via two access pathways.
• Novartis Private Prescription Program (NPPP) for HCPs and patients: The NPPP provides access to Novartis medicines via one entry point for healthcare professionals and their patients.
•Novartis Hospital Ordering Program (HOP) for healthcare institutions: The HOP is a Business to Business (B2B) solution that provides hospital pharmacies with direct access to Novartis products, order status updates, and just-in-time (JIT) ordering.
Novartis Connect simplifies access for healthcare professionals (HCPs) to nominated, on-label, TGA-approved, Novartis medicines. Novartis Connect provides universal eligibility criteria and is easily accessible.
In 2024, approximately 15% of prescription medicines were dispensed in community pharmacies outside of the PBS. Novartis Connect is designed to service these non-PBS prescriptions, and the many patients, including non-residents, tourists and international students, who cannot access medicines via the PBS.
According to Matt Zeller, Country President of Novartis Australia and New Zealand, the launch reflects HCPs’ calls for easier, faster, and simpler access to Novartis’ portfolio of private prescriptions.
“Australia has well-established government access pathways, like the PBS and Medicare, that subsidise a wide range of prescription medicines. However, some people still rely on private prescriptions because they are not eligible for PBS-reimbursed medicines.”
“Novartis Connect recognises that the private prescription market in Australia is growing. The new channel simplifies access to our medicines for prescribers and their patients, who are seeking alternative ways to fulfil prescriptions in a digital-first world,” said Mr Zeller.
Supporting community prescriptions
The NPPP is an e-script solution, currently delivered in partnership with TerryWhite Chemmart (TWC), that enables a person who has been privately prescribed a Novartis medicine to order and pay online at one of TWC’s 600 Australian pharmacies.
Currently available for certain medicines only, the NPPP will be expanded in the coming months.
HCPs and patients can access information on Novartis Connect by visiting the website and following the simple steps to access the NPPP.
Doctors can access pricing information on the Novartis Pro website (which is only accessible to HCPs registered in Australia) to assist them in their discussions with patients. Importantly, HCPs do not need to enrol patients formally but refer them to download the myTWC app.
For patients, once they have downloaded the app, they need to upload their e-prescription, review and accept the program invitation and T&Cs, before ordering their medication through the app.
Supporting pharmaceutical supply for hospitals
The HOP simplifies the ordering process for hospital institutions by providing direct access to an expanding catalogue of Novartis medicines to be used for on-label and non-PBS dispensing through one simple-to-use platform.
To access the HOP, hospital institutions can register their interest by visiting the Novartis Connect website. Specifically designed for hospital pharmacy ordering and dispensing, the HOP is managed by Akesa Pty Ltd.
“It’s an important solution for our customers in hospitals who are managing patients who rely on private prescriptions every day.
“The HOP provides healthcare institutions, like hospitals, with a smarter way to manage non-PBS medicine supply, enabling direct access to Novartis products via a secure online platform. With easy product look-up, order tracking, secure delivery and streamlined reconciliation, hospital teams have more time to focus on what matters most – patient care,” said Akesa Chief Operating Officer, Nicholas Brittain.
