Renowned American economist, Professor Frank Lichtenberg, has been commissioned by Medicines New Zealand to analyse the impact new cancer medicines have on New Zealand patients and the healthcare system.

Lichtenberg’s study, the impact of pharmaceutical innovation on the longevity and hospitalisation of New Zealand cancer patients analyses fourteen years of New Zealand data.

The findings from his research will be presented at Medicines New Zealand’s annual Parliamentary Dinner on 23 August 2016, hosted by Minister of Health, Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman.

“We are delighted to host Professor Lichtenberg, whose ground-breaking research demonstrates the overwhelming benefits innovative medicines have on patients and the healthcare system” said Medicines New Zealand Chair, Hon Heather Roy.

Frank Lichtenberg is Professor of Business at Columbia University, a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research; and a member of the Centre for Economic Studies Research Network.

Some of Professor Lichtenberg’s acclaimed research has examined the impact of pharmaceutical innovation on life-years in 52 countries.

Professor Frank Lichtenberg will be presenting his research in Wellington and Auckland from 22 August – 25 August.

Medicines New Zealand is hosting a public seminar in Wellington on Wednesday 24 August with University of Otago Wellington.

An educational seminar will be co-hosted by Medicines New Zealand in Auckland on Wednesday 24 August with NZBIO and ISPORNZ.

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Media contact:

Katie Sherriff, Communications Advisor, Medicines New Zealand.

Ph: 027 534 6461