WASHINGTON, DC (May 8, 2019) — AAM commends Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) for seeking to address two significant obstacles to generic drug and biosimilar competition: product-hopping and the creation of patent thickets. Brand-name drug companies are able to employ these strategies to prevent automatic substitution of generics and extend brand-name drug monopolies – and high prices – for decades. AAM appreciates Senators Cornyn and Blumenthal for investigating and seeking to address abuses of the patent system by some brand-name drug companies, and we look forward to working with them to ensure that the patent system is balanced and works in the best interest of patients who seek more affordable prescription medicines.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Rachel Schwartz
202.249.7147
About AAM
AAM is driven by the belief that access to safe, quality, effective medicine has a tremendous impact on a person’s life and the world around them. Generic and biosimilar medicines improve people’s lives, improving society and the economy in turn. AAM represents the manufacturers and distributors of finished generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars, manufacturers and distributors of bulk pharmaceutical chemicals, and suppliers of other goods and services to the generic industry. Generic pharmaceuticals are 90 percent of prescriptions dispensed in the U.S. but only 23 percent of total drug spending.
About the Biosimilars Council
The Biosimilars Council, a division of the Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM), works to ensure a positive environment for patient access to biosimilar medicines. The Biosimilars Council is a leading source for information about the safety and efficacy of more affordable alternatives to costly brand biologic medicines. Areas of focus include public and health expert education, strategic partnerships, government affairs, legal affairs and regulatory policy. More information is available at www.biosimilarscouncil.org.