AARP "debunks" biotechnology firms' anti-biogenerics claims

The AARP, which represents about 40 million retired US citizens, has published an analysis of the 10 top-selling biotechnology agents, which  finds that they recouped their development costs several times over  since 2003. The group argues that "the report's finding busts the myth  that allowing generic versions of biologic drugs will undermine further  development of these breakthrough medicines." In many cases, a single  year's sales were sufficient to recover R&D costs, the AARP said.

The retired people's advocacy group, regarded as one of the most  powerful lobbies in US politics, is pressing for the passage of the  Promoting Innovation and Access to Life-Saving Medicine Act  (HR1427/S726), which would provide only five years of market exclusivity  (Marketletter March 30). A competing bill has been put forward with the  support of the Biotechnology Industry Organization: the Pathway for  Biosimilars Act, which would provide 12 years of delay before generic  competition would be authorized.