PCMA: New Bipartisan Biogenerics Legislation The 'Right Approach' To Increase Competition, Lower Costs

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Also Included In: Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 13 Mar 2009 - 6:00 PDT

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Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) President and CEO Mark Merritt issued the following statement supporting HR 1427, "The Promoting Innovation and Access to Life-Saving Medicine Act"- bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA), Representatives Nathan Deal (R-GA), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO)-which would create a regulatory pathway to approve generic versions of biologic products.

"This bipartisan legislation will increase access to life-saving medications and save billions for consumers, employers, and taxpayers.

"PCMA applauds Chairman Waxman, Representatives Deal, Pallone, and Emerson in leading the effort on Capitol Hill to create a clear regulatory pathway for biogenerics. This bill is the right approach to generate increased competition and lower costs for consumers and payers, while ensuring continued innovation for new, life-saving biologics.

"Policymakers from both sides of the aisle, employers, unions, consumer groups, and others all realize that allowing generics to compete with biologics in the same way they already do with conventional drugs will improve access to quality care and reduce overall costs."

PCMA represents the nation's pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which improve affordability and quality of care through the use of electronic prescribing (e-prescribing), generic alternatives, mail-service pharmacies, and other innovative tools for 200-plus million Americans.

Pharmaceutical Care Management Association

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