Australia’s compounding 2025 review: Standards, education, and future trends for 2026

By: Patricia Ullmann, B.Pharm. MPS MACP
Director of Public Affairs & Education, Medisca Australia

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s clear this has been a milestone year for pharmacy compounding in Australia and across the global Medisca network. From landmark educational initiatives to major regulatory developments, the past twelve months have underscored one constant theme: practitioners are elevating standards and expanding their clinical impact. Here’s a look back at what shaped the year and what we can look forward to in 2026.

Raising the bar on quality and compliance

The year began with a strong focus on regulatory expectations. In partnership with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), Medisca Australia, in conjunction with our global education partner LP3 Network, delivered the January 2025 webinar “Guidelines and Standards on Compounding of Medicines.”

Designed to help pharmacies navigate evolving requirements, the session drew strong national attendance. To continue supporting the profession, the full recording remains available at no charge: Medisca Australia | Webinar: Guideline and Standards on Compounding of Medicines

This commitment to quality was reinforced throughout the year, as the Pharmacy Council of NSW published its “10 Tips for Compounding” fact sheet, part of a growing library of resources designed to guide safe and compliant practice.

Elevating clinical knowledge through collaboration

February marked another major milestone as Medisca presented new wound management studies at the Australian Wound & Skin Alliance (AWSA) Summer School, sharing the stage with global leaders including Professor Geoffrey Sussman.

More than a presentation, Medisca delivered an evidence-based session highlighting the expanding role of compounded therapies in complex wound care and its commitment to supporting innovation grounded in clinical evidence.

Connecting with the pharmacy community

In March, the team was on the ground at APP2025 on the Gold Coast, engaging with pharmacists, technicians, educators, and regulatory stakeholders from across Australia. Subject-matter experts fielded questions on formulation, compliance, and workflow optimisation, while Holly the Compounder’s live demonstrations drew significant attention and sparked insightful conversations about precision, technique, and best practice.

Training the workforce — in Australia and beyond

Education remained central to the Medisca mission throughout 2025. Dozens of training activities were delivered via our LP3 Network partner both domestically and internationally, including:

• Non-Sterile Compounding courses (sold out)
• Sterile Compounding programs (sold-out)
• Collaborative practice seminars tailored for pharmacists and technicians

With strong demand for hands-on, competency-driven training, the momentum isn’t slowing down.

Explore the Medisca 2026 Training Calendar and map out your year of professional growth.

Advancing clarity in regulatory standards

Late in the year, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced plans to update guidance related to the advertising of compounded medicines.

For both Medisca Australia and the pharmacies we support, this represents important progress. We have long advocated for clearer, more practical guidance that reflects the realities of compounding while protecting patient safety. We will continue to collaborate with the regulator, industry bodies, and practitioners as the updates take shape in 2026.

Navigating medicine shortages

Drug shortages will continue, even if they do not dominate headlines. The conditions that drive them are not abating, including global instability, supply-chain challenges, and ongoing cost pressure. When that happens, patients still need access to medicines. One pathway is compounded medicines filling the gaps left by traditional manufacturers. The TGA has formed the Medicine Shortages Stakeholder Forum, which aims to enhance coordination and communication regarding medicine shortages.

Looking ahead to 2026

As we move into the new year, several themes will define the next phase of growth for compounding practice in Australia:

1. Clearer regulatory pathways

   With upcoming TGA updates and ongoing discussions across state and national bodies, 2026 is poised to offer improved clarity for pharmacies looking to strengthen compliance.

2. Deeper clinical integration

   Compounding continues to expand into areas such as wound care, dermatology, hormone therapy, and veterinary care. Expect more research and collaboration.

3. Continued investment in workforce capability

   With demand for advanced training on the rise, Medisca Australia will deliver more programs, new formats, and expanded access to both foundational and specialised education.

4. Innovation in quality and supply

   From sourcing to testing to manufacturing partnerships, Medisca will continue strengthening quality systems to support reliable, compliant, and accessible compounding ingredients.

Acknowledging our collective impact in 2025

To every pharmacist, technician, educator, and partner who joined us this year — whether through a training program, industry event, or shared commitment to quality — thank you. Your dedication continues to elevate patient care and move the profession forward.

Here’s to a productive, collaborative, and transformative 2026.

Disclaimer: This blog is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional, regulatory, or medical advice. Any third-party sites referenced in this blog are not monitored or controlled by Medisca and Medisca shall not be held responsible or liable for any content resulting therefrom. Any statements or opinions made in this blog are strictly those of the authors and not of Medisca. Medisca is not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of or reliance on this content. Medisca makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein.