Senate Passes ASHP-Supported Generic and Biosimilar Bill

Yesterday, the Senate unanimously passed legislation to prohibit drug manufacturers from using a complex web of patents, known as a patent thicket, to prevent competition from generic and biosimilar products.

The bipartisan legislation (S. 150), sponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), provides a clearer path to resolve patent disputes that delay entry of generic and biosimilar products. The legislation, which is supported by ASHP and our partners in the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing, will now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.

ASHP also supports S. 2305, the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act, sponsored by Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Mike Braun (R-IN), and J.D. Vance (R-OH), which would accelerate biosimilar adoption by eliminating the need for clinically unnecessary switching studies that delay interchangeability.

ASHP members can learn more about our recent advocacy to advance biosimilar adoption.