Safety concerns relating to pholcodine-containing dry cough products
Following a safety investigation by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), pholcodine containing medicines are being cancelled from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and those currently on pharmacy shelves are being recalled from pharmacies.
The cancellation and recall actions are being taken because of a link between pholcodine-containing medicines and an increased risk of anaphylactic reactions to certain medicines used as muscle relaxants during general anaesthesia called neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs). Further information about the safety alert and recall can be found on TGA’s website: https://www.tga.gov.au/news/safety-alerts/pholcodine
Providing the community with safe and effective products is iNova Pharmaceutical’s top priority. We are working closely with the TGA to recall our affected products from pharmacies and meet all our regulatory requirements on this matter.
Should consumers have pholcodine containing medicines at home, it is advised that they speak with their pharmacist or doctor regarding a suitable alternative treatment.
FOR A FULL LIST OF AUSTRALIAN PRODUCTS IMPACTED BY RECALL -
click the link below
Consumers that want to report any adverse events relating to an iNova product, please contact drugsafety@inovapharma.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pholcodine?
Pholcodine is an effective cough-suppressant that has been recommended by healthcare professionals and used around the world since the 1950s for the treatment of dry coughs. Pholcodine is not used for the treatment of ‘wet’ or ‘chesty’ coughs.
Why are pholcodine-containing medicines being recalled/withdrawn?
On 28 February, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced a recall of products containing pholcodine in Australia. The recall will be a Class II Retail Level recall must commence by 8 March. The TGA further announced that the registrations for pholcodine-containing products will ultimately be cancelled from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), effective from 29 March.
The TGA’s decision to recall pholcodine containing medicines is linked to a recently concluded French clinical study (the ALPHO Study) which reviewed a possible association between pholcodine and very rare but serious anaphylactic reactions to medicines called neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) used in anaesthesia.
Data from the ALPHO study indicates that the use of pholcodine in the 12 months leading up to anaesthesia using NMBAs slightly increases the risk of developing an anaphylactic reaction, noting that the risk of anaphylactic reactions to NMBAs during anaesthesia is already very low. The relationship between pholcodine and anaphylactic reactions to NMBAs has been hypothesised over the last decade, however, until the ALPHO study no association had previously been established in any clinical study globally. There is still no evidence showing causal risk.
What should you do if you have pholcodine-containing medicines at home. Can you consume them?
Consumers should:
check if any of your over-the-counter cold and flu or cough medicines contain pholcodine, including in cough lozenge or syrup products
speak to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatments
let their anaesthetist know if you have, or could have, taken pholcodine-containing medicines in the last 12 months, before surgery.
Are all Duro-Tuss/Difflam products affected?
No, only a small portion of the Duro-Tuss and Difflam ranges are affected, and these are the ones that contain pholcodine, which are used to treat a dry cough. You can find the full list of affected and non-affected products here.
What should you do if you have taken a pholcodine-containing medicine in the last 12 months and are due to have surgery soon. Is it safe to undergo anaesthesia?
If you are due to have anaesthesia, where a neuromuscular blocking agent will be used, it is important to advise your healthcare professional and anaesthetist of all medicines you have taken in the last 12 months, including those that are purchased over the counter.
Do you have an alternative dry cough product consumers can now select?
Consumers should seek advice from their doctor or pharmacist for an appropriate recommendation for their dry cough.
iNova has other products for the relief of dry coughs including:
Nyal Dry Cough Medicine (containing Pentoxyverine Citrate)
True to our mission, we care deeply about health and well-being at work.
We offer a number of staff benefits and programs aimed at supporting and improving the health and well-being of our staff. For example, in Australia we offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and all staff receive an annual wellness voucher to spend on healthy products or activities. In South Africa, we offer the Unmind program.
Staff benefits
We know people perform at their best when they feel looked after at work!
Our staff benefits vary from region to region, so please see your regional Careers page for more information about local benefits.
Some of our staff benefits include:
Competitive remuneration and a generous incentive scheme
Paid parental leave
Additional annual leave days each year
Professional learning and development support
Salary continuance and Personal Accident insurance
Flexible working opportunities
Opportunities to get involved in charitable initiatives
Reward and Recognition Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Referral Bonus
Financial Wellness education
Privacy Collection Statement
iNova may share your reported adverse event with third parties that we engage to process adverse events and enquiries on our behalf. iNova may also use the information to maintain records of reports and to investigate or follow up on your report. If you are providing us with someone else’s personal information, you confirm that you have obtained their consent to do so. iNova will share the details of your reported side effect with the various Partners, Health and Regulatory Authorities in your country and in countries around the world as mandated by law; no personally identifiable details in that instance will be shared.
If iNova receives information regarding a side effect with another company’s product, we are mandated by Health Authority regulations to share that information with that company. You may be contacted by that company for additional information regarding the side effect with their product.
You can view further details on how we manage personal information in our privacy policy at https://inovapharma.com/privacy. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the management of your personal information, please contact privacy@inovapharma.com.
Demazin is a well-known, pharmacy only brand, that has been a staple of Australian medicine cabinets for over 50 years. Despite strong success for many decades, ownership changes in more recent years caused Demazin to suffer significant sales decline due to a lack of focus and support.
When iNova acquired Demazin from Bayer in 2019, we did so with the intention to revitalise the brand and restore it to its former glory. In just over 12 months the Australian team developed a revised brand strategy, created four new Demazin products to fill gaps in the range, developed new-look packaging to refresh the brand and launched it back into market with a fresh and fun television advertising campaign featuring the old favourite ‘D-D-Demazin’ mnemonic.
With iNova’s strong investment, distribution reach and strong pharmacy relationships, we are confident Demazin will grow to again be the ‘go-to’ brand for the whole family.
Demazin is exactly the type of brand that iNova looks to own or distribute – a proven and effective product with an established reputation among healthcare professionals and consumers, that, with a bit of investment and focus, has the potential to grow.
Our door is always open to prospective vendors and business partners here at iNova Pharmaceuticals!
iNova iPitch - Wound & Scar Challenge
Application Dates:
23 Sep, 2019 12AM – 18 Nov, 2019 11PM
The Challenge
Inviting Consumer Health product developers, innovators and/or GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified manufacturers to pitch products or solutions to drive growth for our Dermatix brand, Australia’s #1 scar reduction gel*.
Ideal Solution
How can iNova better meet the needs of consumers in delivering wounds and scar solutions? The following describes our ideal solution, but not all criteria needs to be met to apply.
your idea is innovative, can be commercialised and will deliver a clear consumer benefit over products currently on the market
your products/formulations are a strong fit for the Dermatix brand portfolio
your products are available to sell in Australia and/or New Zealand
your product can be sold over the counter, without a Doctor’s script
you already produce products/prototypes containing evidence-based ingredients or clinically proven formula/mode of action on your behalf or on behalf of third parties
you are willing and authorised to negotiate an agreement to cover the development and manufacture of the product
you are willing and authorised to discuss ownership of Intellectual Property (we would prefer full assignment of rights to iNova Pharmaceuticals or at least exclusive license of rights)
your organisation is nimble and able to support fast development and manufacturing
What is the Opportunity?
Leading Innovators will partner with iNova Pharmaceuticals to take their product to the next level, leveraging the Dermatix branding – familiar to Australian and New Zealand consumers. iNova Pharmaceuticals is also well placed with an established network of distributors and customers across ANZ. Should the idea be valid for other iNova regions, there will also be the opportunity to extend the products to Asia and South Africa where iNova have a presence (possibly under a different brand).
What is the Process?
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to sign a Mutual Confidentiality Agreement with iNova before proceeding to our due diligence phase. The chosen finalists will then pitch their solution and partnership proposal to the iNova executive team. The leading solutions will then be launched in Australia and/or New Zealand, under the mutually agreed partnership model.
Who Should Apply?
If you or your organisation has products, technology or fast R&D solutions which can deliver to stretching our Dermatix brand, then please APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED.
* Aztec Pharmacy Scan Data (Value), Scar Treatment Gels. MAT 9/6/19
Products featured in this website or on the photos/images may or may not be approved or available in the country that you are accessing this website from. iNova’s products will have different labelling and be subject to different regulatory requirements in different countries. Nothing herein should be construed as a solicitation or promotion for any product or for an indication for any product that is not approved under the laws and regulations of the country that you are accessing this website from.
NOTICE: You are leaving the iNova Pharmaceuticals website and are being directed to a website hosted by CoVentured. While we have a relationship with CoVentured, we do not endorse or guarantee any CoVentured website and we disclaim any liability relating thereto. The CoVentured website will also have different security and privacy policies and practices. By continuing, you acknowledge and agree to the foregoing.
iNova iPitch - Vapourising Delivery System Challenge
Application Dates:
23 Sep, 2019 12AM – 18 Nov, 2019 11PM
The Challenge
Inviting Consumer Health product developers, innovators and/or GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified manufacturers to pitch products or solutions to drive growth for our Nyal brand in the Australian market, the #1 Cough Liquid & Nasal Spray Brand*. We are interested in novel and unique delivery systems for natural ingredients, such as menthol, to clear the nose and head for immediate relief. Appealing formats could include inhaler sticks, topical rub sticks, sprays, patches or vapourisers which are suitable for use both at home and on-the-go. The product should also be differentiated from current competitors.
Ideal Solution
How can iNova better meet the needs of consumers in delivering better products? The following describes our ideal solution, but not all criteria needs to be met to apply.
your idea is innovative, can be commercialised and will deliver a clear consumer benefit over products currently on the market
your products/formulations are a strong fit for the Nyal brand portfolio
your products are available to sell in Australia
you already produce products/prototypes containing evidence-based ingredients or clinically proven formula/mode of action on your behalf or on behalf of third parties
you are willing and authorised to negotiate an agreement to cover the development and manufacture of the product
you are willing and authorised to discuss ownership of Intellectual Property (we would prefer full assignment of rights to iNova Pharmaceuticals or at least exclusive license of rights)
your organisation is nimble and able to support fast development and manufacturing
What is the Opportunity?
Leading Innovators will partner with iNova Pharmaceuticals to take their product to the next level, leveraging on the strong, well-known Nyal branding – familiar to the Australian consumer. iNova Pharmaceuticals is also well placed with an established network of distributors and customers across Australia. Should the idea be also valid for our other regions, there will also be the opportunity to extend the products to Asia and South Africa where we have a presence (possibly under a different brand).
What is the Process?
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to sign a Mutual Confidentiality Agreement with iNova before proceeding to our due diligence phase. The chosen finalists will then pitch their solution and partnership proposal to the iNova executive team. The leading solution(s) will then be launched in Australia, under the mutually agreed partnership model.
Who Should Apply?
If you or your organisation has products, technology or fast R&D solutions which can deliver to stretching our Nyal brand, then please APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED.
Products featured in this website or on the photos/images may or may not be approved or available in the country that you are accessing this website from. iNova’s products will have different labelling and be subject to different regulatory requirements in different countries. Nothing herein should be construed as a solicitation or promotion for any product or for an indication for any product that is not approved under the laws and regulations of the country that you are accessing this website from.
NOTICE: You are leaving the iNova Pharmaceuticals website and are being directed to a website hosted by CoVentured. While we have a relationship with CoVentured, we do not endorse or guarantee any CoVentured website and we disclaim any liability relating thereto. The CoVentured website will also have different security and privacy policies and practices. By continuing, you acknowledge and agree to the foregoing.
Inviting Consumer Health product developers, innovators and/or GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified manufacturers to pitch products or solutions to drive growth for our Difflam brand in Australasia or Andolex brand in South Africa. Difflam is the #1 sore throat brand in pharmacy in Australia*. Andolex is South Africa’s leading brand for sore throat and mouth**. We are looking for innovative products or ingredients which treat sore throats across all life stages from young children to the elderly.
Ideal Solution
How can iNova better meet the needs of consumers in delivering sore throat solutions across different life stages? The following describes our ideal solution, but not all criteria needs to be met to apply.
your idea is innovative, can be commercialised and will deliver a clear consumer benefit over products currently on the market
your products/formulations are a strong fit for the Difflam and Andolex brand portfolio
your products are available to sell in Australia/New Zealand, Asia and/or South Africa
you already produce products/prototypes containing scientifically proven ingredients or clinically proven formula/mode of action on your behalf or on behalf of third parties
you are willing and authorised to negotiate an agreement to cover the development and manufacture of the product
you are willing and authorised to discuss ownership of Intellectual Property (we would prefer full assignment of rights to iNova Pharmaceuticals or at least exclusive license of rights)
your organisation is nimble and able to support fast development and manufacturing
What is the Opportunity?
Leading Innovators will partner with iNova Pharmaceuticals to take their product to the next level, leveraging on our world-famous brands. iNova Pharmaceuticals is also well placed with an established network of distributors and customers across Australia/New Zealand, Asia and/or South Africa.
What is the Process?
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to sign a Mutual Confidentiality Agreement with iNova before proceeding to our due diligence phase. The chosen finalists will then pitch their solution and partnership proposal to the iNova executive team. The leading solution(s) will then be launched into one or more of our regions, under the mutually agreed partnership model.
Who Should Apply?
If you or your organisation has products, technology or fast R&D solutions for iNova throat brands, then please APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED.
** IMS Total Private Market Value MAT. December 2018.
Products featured in this website or on the photos/images may or may not be approved or available in the country that you are accessing this website from. iNova’s products will have different labelling and be subject to different regulatory requirements in different countries. Nothing herein should be construed as a solicitation or promotion for any product or for an indication for any product that is not approved under the laws and regulations of the country that you are accessing this website from.
NOTICE: You are leaving the iNova Pharmaceuticals website and are being directed to a website hosted by CoVentured. While we have a relationship with CoVentured, we do not endorse or guarantee any CoVentured website and we disclaim any liability relating thereto. The CoVentured website will also have different security and privacy policies and practices. By continuing, you acknowledge and agree to the foregoing.
We are looking for wild card applicants with novel products, technology, services or ideas to help drive growth for our key brands in our three regions – Australia & New Zealand, South Africa and Asia.
Our key focus categories for this wild card challenge include:
skincare – specifically, sun care, baby skin care, and skin conditions like: extreme sensitive skin, extreme dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, keratosis pilaris, acne
throat, cough, cold, flu, sinus, allergy – including all stages of the cycle from: prevention > early signs > peak sickness > recovery > prevention > immune boosting
feminine health – specifically covering stages of a female life from: puberty > pre-conception > pregnancy > post partum > pre-menopause > post-menopause
The following describes our ideal solution, but not all criteria needs to be met to apply.
your idea, technology, or solution addresses a health need and consumer benefit in one of these focus categories
your solution is a strong fit for our key brands and complement to its range
your solution can be implemented in at least one of our three regions – ANZ, RSA and Asia
you are willing and authorised to negotiate an agreement to potentially partner with iNova Pharmaceuticals to implement the solution
you/your organisation is nimble and able to support fast implementation of your solution
What is the Opportunity?
The leading Innovator will choose how they want to work with iNova Pharmaceuticals to implement the solution.
What is the Process?
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to sign a Mutual Confidentiality Agreement with iNova before proceeding to our due diligence phase. The chosen finalists will then pitch their solution and partnership proposal to the iNova executive team. The leading solution(s) will then be launched into one or more of our regions, under the mutually agreed partnership model.
Who Should Apply?
If you or your organisation has an idea, technology or solution which can help deliver growth for our key brands in the nominated “Wild Card” categories, then please APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED.
Products featured in this website or on the photos/images may or may not be approved or available in the country that you are accessing this website from. iNova’s products will have different labelling and be subject to different regulatory requirements in different countries. Nothing herein should be construed as a solicitation or promotion for any product or for an indication for any product that is not approved under the laws and regulations of the country that you are accessing this website from.
NOTICE: You are leaving the iNova Pharmaceuticals website and are being directed to a website hosted by CoVentured. While we have a relationship with CoVentured, we do not endorse or guarantee any CoVentured website and we disclaim any liability relating thereto. The CoVentured website will also have different security and privacy policies and practices. By continuing, you acknowledge and agree to the foregoing.
With over 500 staff members globally, iNova has offices located in seven countries.
Our group Head Office is located in Singapore.
We also have regional/country offices in:
Australia – Chatswood, Sydney
South Africa – Bedfordview, Johannesburg
Asia – Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore & Hong Kong
Founded in South Africa in 2007, the Creche Guard product range was acquired by iNova Pharmaceuticals from Kenza Health in January 2018.
Under the ownership of iNova Pharmaceuticals, Creche Guard has firmly established itself as South Africa’s #1 Children’s Multivitamin.
iNova’s wide market reach and distribution, and increased investment in advertising and promotion, has seen the product grow at double digit rates during the first 18 months of ownership.
The iNova South Africa team has delivered a suite of engaging consumer campaigns, including an engaging Garder Facebook campaign, a vibrant Dis-Chem Back-To-School Promo and playfully colourful AlphaPharm display drive.
Creche Guard is exactly the kind of brand we look to own or distribute at iNova Pharmaceuticals – a high-quality and efficacious Consumer Health product, with a small but established reputation amongst consumers and healthcare professionals, in markets that we are familiar with, with great branding and the potential to grow.
Our door is always open to prospective vendors and business partners here at iNova Pharmaceuticals!
Quality &
Integrity
We know that families trust us with their health and well-being, and we treat that obligation very seriously. We all have our own families, so we are totally committed to delivering products that meet top quality standards that are promoted in an accurate and balanced manner.
We have a large Operations team globally who oversee the manufacture and supply of our products into the hands of end users. We have very high expectations of our manufacturers and we test our products rigorously.
We are also committed to acting with integrity and maintaining the highest ethical standards.
Growth
Since late 2017, our business has been on a new trajectory. We have plans for accelerated growth and we have the investment firepower to execute those plans. It is an exciting period to be a part of iNova!
We are actively developing an organic pipeline of products through a fully resourced Innovation team.
We are also actively seeking to grow through business development activity.
We are looking for people that want to be a part of our growth story.
Innovation
Innovation is a big part of our strategic plan.
We have invested heavily in product sourcing and development, and we have a rich pipeline of new products due to launch in all of our regional markets during the next few years.
We also support and incentivise innovation in all other areas of our business.
Reward &
Recognition
We have a well-established Reward and Recognition programs that rewards staff in all of our markets.
We have our annual CEO Awards, recognising our highest achievers across the group in Sales, Non-Sales, Values and Innovation.
We also have an annual gala awards function, where both Sales and Non-Sales staff are recognised for outstanding achievement.
We also have Values and Service awards that are handed out locally throughout each year.
Diversity &
Inclusion
We aim to provide a work environment where people are treated fairly and with respect.
We recognise that the work environment should be free from unlawful or unwelcome conduct.
We affirm the right of every person to equal employment opportunities.
Learning &
Development
Whatever your role, we are committed to help you to develop your expertise within that role and, if you are interested, to prepare you for opportunities beyond your current role.
Staff at iNova have plenty of opportunities to get involved in cross-functional and innovation projects at a local and global level!
We also offer our employees the opportunity to participate in a range of more structured external and internal learning and development opportunities.
In South Africa, we have the Career Advancement Plan (CAP) for the sales force and iLead program.
In Asia, we offer company-sponsored external training activities, including study leave.
In Australia, we have a Learning & Development Program for all staff, with blended learning experience of face to face, online & self-directed learning.
Giving back
We are very committed to giving back to our local communities. We do that in a variety of different ways in each region.
Each region has a formal community/charitable giving program which involves workplace giving as well as initiatives that allow you to get directly involved in the work of our community/charity partners. In Australia, iNova matches staff donations.
At a global level, we additionally support a number of important causes from time to time.
Heritage
We are very proud of our history.
We have a very diverse portfolio of products, many of which have been used in family medicine cabinets all over the world for many decades.
You can read more about our the story of our products and the history of iNova here.
Our
Culture &
Values
Our Values are the foundation of our global culture. They determine (and reflect) how we work every day.
We are always on the lookout for passionate, proactive and positive people to join our business.
We are looking for innovators, contributors, owners, entrepreneurs… people that can move fast and make things happen. Our people are empowered to act and make decisions locally.
We want people who put our patients and our customers at the centre of everything they do, and that are committed to excellence in their role.
We are looking for people who can collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, often across different functions and markets, to achieve shared success.
We want people who have integrity and that understand the regulatory environment that we work in.
Read more about our Vision and Values over here.
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