Delaware Governor Signs Bill Granting Patient Access to Biosimilars
Washington, D.C. (May 29, 2014) – The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and the Delaware BioScience Association (Delaware Bio) commend Delaware Governor Jack Markell for signing legislation yesterday designed to create a pathway for the substitution of interchangeable biologic medicines. This bill is a model for legislation necessary in all 50 states to address this cutting-edge technology.
The policies outlined in Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 118 align with all five of BIO’s principles on biologic substitution. BIO and Delaware Bio furthermore commend Delaware’s Senate and House of Representatives for unanimously passing this bill earlier this month.
"This important legislation enjoys the support of physicians across the country, patient groups, and both biologic and biosimilar manufacturing companies," said Jim Greenwood, BIO’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "By signing this bill into law, Governor Markell added Delaware to a growing list of states that have taken a leadership position in allowing retail pharmacies to substitute interchangeable biologic medicines."
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees approval of biologic medicines and designation of interchangeability, policies governing whether one product may be substituted in place of a doctor's prescription and whether a pharmacist must inform patients and doctors are covered by state law. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 118 seeks to properly preserve patient access to accurate prescription information, maintains incentives for innovation and promotes a competitive market for biologic therapies. BIO will continue to advocate for full transparency in the substitution process as patients and their physicians should have the right to know what biologic medicine the patient receives from the pharmacy.
The FDA is currently developing a pathway for the development and approval of safe and effective interchangeable biologic products in the United States. However, there is still a major role for states to play in ensuring substitution practices remain transparent and physicians remain engaged in the process.
"Interchangeable biologics are not generics. Even slight changes to a biologic drug can change its properties entirely," said Greenwood. "Unlike conventional generic medicines, interchangeable biologics are not the same as the drugs they seek to substitute. In fact, two biologics made using different cell lines and differing manufacturing processes will rarely, if ever, be exactly the same. Those suggesting interchangeable biologics and generics are the same are wrong."
Patients and physicians managing chronic conditions are generally aware of which biologic treatments work best in their unique circumstances. Communicating with patients and physicians allows everyone involved the opportunity to discuss past treatment experiences so that any possible unexpected issues can be better understood and avoided.
As other states continue to address issues related to biologic substitution, BIO encourage policy makers to continue to put patients first.
About Delaware Bio
Delaware Bio is a non-profit trade association that serves its members and the State of Delaware by collaborating with other local businesses and organizations to advance the growth of the bioscience industry in Delaware and the region (www.delawarebio.org).