Policy

AMA Calls for State-Level Legislation to Rein in PBMs

June 12th 2019

By The Center for Biosimilars Staff

The American Medical Association (AMA), which is holding its annual meeting this week in Chicago, Illinois, has issued a call for intensified oversight of the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) industry.

Biosimilar Proposal for Medicare Will Depend on the Details

June 11th 2019

By Allison Inserro

“Do I think these numbers are reasonable and achievable? Potentially,” said Christina Corridon, MPH, MBA, a principal with the consulting firm ZS.

"Biomimics" Are Not Biosimilars, PANLAR Statement Warns

June 10th 2019

By Allison Inserro

A consensus statement developed by the Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology (PANLAR) regarding biosimilars warned against the use of so-called "biomimics," or copy biologics.

Systematic Literature Review Calls Economic Impact of Switching to Biosimilars "Uncertain"

June 10th 2019

By Kelly Davio

“This systematic literature review found that the overall economic impact of biosimilar [nonmedical switching] remains uncertain,” write the investigators. More real-world studies will be necessary, they indicate, to quantify the full economic impact of nonmedical switches over the short and long term.

Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Curb Use of Prior Authorization in Medicare Advantage

June 7th 2019

By Allison Inserro

A bill supported by a coalition of physician specialty organizations was introduced in the House of Representatives this week to alleviate the growing use of prior authorizations in Medicare Advantage. At the same time, the group released survey results saying that PAs are increasing physician burdens and leading to delays in patient care.

The Top 5 Biosimilars Articles for the Week of June 3

June 7th 2019

The Center for Biosimilars® recaps the top stories for the week of June 3, 2019.

Insulins, Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Top Rising Drug Prices Despite Competition

June 6th 2019

By Allison Inserro

Competition has done little to keep the lid on rising pharmaceutical prices for brand-name products, especially insulins and anti-inflammatory drugs, and costs will continue to rise unless action is taken, according to a recent paper written by researchers from the Scripps Research Translational Institute.

NHS Publishes Update on the Use of Biosimilars

June 5th 2019

By Kelly Davio

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) has published a new document for clinical and nonclinical stakeholders about the role of biosimilars in the healthcare system. The guidance document, says the NHS, is intended to support the safe, effective, consistent use of biologics, including biosimilars, to the benefit of patients.

MS Experts in Latin America Publish Recommendations for Biosimilar Policies

June 3rd 2019

By Allison Inserro

With patents on reference products that treat multiple sclerosis (MS) set to expire soon in the region, a panel of experts in Latin America recently published a set of recommendations regarding the efficacy, safety, and quality of biosimilars in these countries.

Biosimilar Policy Roundup: May 2019

May 31st 2019

By Allison Inserro

In May 2019 policy news, bills touching on various aspects of biosimilars progressed through Congress, and HHS finalized 2 proposals affecting drug pricing. One state capped monthly insulin prices, while in Canada, one province will move patients taking reference biologics for rheumatological diseases and diabetes to biosimilars within 6 months.