Tennessee Governor Haslam Signs Bill Ensuring Patient Access to Interchangeable Biologic Medicines
Washington, D.C. (May 6, 2015) – The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and Life Science Tennessee commend Governor Bill Haslam for signing critical legislation to create a pathway for the substitution of interchangeable biologic medicines.
Governor Haslam signed the legislation into law on May 4th. Senate Bill 984 was unanimously passed in both the Tennessee House of Representatives and Senate last month.
The policies outlined in the bill align with BIO’s principles on biologic substitution, therefore BIO and Life Science Tennessee support this important legislation and are grateful to Governor Haslam for his leadership on this issue.
“Senate Bill 984 enjoys the support of physicians across the country, patient groups, and both innovator biologic and biosimilar manufacturing companies. This bill includes communication on all biologic medicines dispensed in order to maintain a consistent and complete medical record,” said Jim Greenwood, BIO’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "By signing this bill into law, Governor Haslam added Tennessee 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 Bill 984 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 communication in the substitution process, as patients and their physicians should have the right to know what biologic medicine the patient receives from the pharmacy.
“We’re really pleased to see Tennessee leading the way in adopting policies that not only support a growing industry in our state, but more importantly allow patients access to safe and effective therapies when the first interchangeable biologics are approved by the FDA,” said Abby Trotter, Executive Director of Life Science Tennessee. “Furthermore, they will provide patients with more opportunities to address their unmet medical needs, particularly severely ill patients who rely on cutting-edge medical treatments.”
While the FDA recently approved the first biosimilar product for sale in the U.S, the agency continues to develop a pathway for the development and approval of safe and effective interchangeable biologic products the United States. In fact the FDA has indicated they expect to see applications for interchangeable biosimilar product approvals this year. However, there is still a major role for states to play in ensuring communication of substitution practices occur 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 the Tennessee General Assembly continues to address issues related to biologic medicines, BIO and Life Science Tennessee encourage policy makers to continue to put patients first.
About Life Science Tennessee
Life Science Tennessee is a statewide, non-profit, member organization whose mission is to advance and grow the life science industry in Tennessee through advocacy, partnerships and alignment with economic and workforce development. Members include companies, universities, research institutions, government and economic development groups, and other industry associations involved in discovery and application of life sciences products and related services that improve the health and well-being of people throughout the world. Life Science Tennessee conducts business and economic development activities; advocates on behalf of the industry; educates the public about the benefits of life sciences research and product development; and provides a network for the exchange of ideas, information and opportunities. http://www.lifesciencetn.org