AARP Brief Examines Threat to Biosimilar Drug Competition

SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 BY LARRY MCNEELY

In 2010, as part of the federal health care law, Congress established a new pathway for the FDA to approve generic versions of biologic drugs, called biosimilars. Due to the rising cost burden generated by high-priced biologic drugs, biosimilars are a critical source of competition to protect the sustainability of our health system. Unfortunately, in state capitols around the country, efforts are underway to lessen the potential of biosimilars to bring life-saving medicines to more patients at an affordable price.

The AARP Public Policy Institute shines a light on this threat to health care affordability with their new brief A Sense of Déjà Vu: The Debate Surrounding State Biosimilar Substitution Laws.