Block the Market Survival of Biosimilar?

Pharmaceutical is a quite important market for biology field. Among which, rare diseases attract relatively less attention, while complex diseases, such as cancer and immune diseases draw much. The as stake is also a promising market that could win tens of billions of dollars for expensive biological medicines that make from human blood, serums, bacterial cultures, viruses and other microorganisms.

In recent years, biosimilars arise with more and more manufactures want to make and sell biosimilars. On May 13, the US Senate Appropriations Committee conducted a biosimilar debate. It considered SB598, a bill by Sen. Jerry Hill(D-San Mateo) to regulate the use of these injectable, biosimilar drugs. The legislation would enable doctors to restrict the use of biosimilars and require pharmacists to keep records of their dispensing.

In terms of this bill, there are backers and opponents. Backer groups mainly consist of drug makers and some patient advocacy groups, doctors and high-tech companies. Opponent groups are made up of drug firms that might make biosimilars and pharmacies — as well as health insurers.

The opponents said the bill just likes setting a roadblock to keep the cheaper substitute off the market. The regulation should be left to FDA to decide.

As reported, Amgen Inc.of Thousand Oaks and Genentech Inc.of South San Francisco, are fighting in Sacramento to keep a tight grip on some of their most lucrative drugs.

Article Link: Block the Market Survival of Biosimilar?

Tags: Biosimilar Cell Line,  Viruses Expressed,  Pharmaceutical Research