Policies & Legislation

California governor vetoes biosimilars bill

Home/Policies & Legislation | Posted 18/10/2013

On 12 October 2013, California Governor Jerry Brown vetoed legislation known as SB 598, a bill that some believed would have impeded access to biosimilars.

Colombia recommends compulsory licence for Glivec

Home/Policies & Legislation | Posted 29/04/2016

A committee of the Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection has recommended a compulsory licence to be issued for cancer treatment Glivec (imatinib) sold by Novartis.

Australia announces price cuts for common prescription drugs

Home/Policies & Legislation | Posted 22/04/2016

As of 4 April 2016 the prices of more than 400 of Australia’s most commonly prescribed medicines, including cholesterol and high blood pressure treatments, will be reduced by as much as AU$20.

India caps prices of 530 essential drugs

Home/Policies & Legislation | Posted 15/04/2016

India has increased the number of drugs it considers ‘essential’ and therefore for which it controls the maximum retail price in the country.

Idaho governor signs biosimilars substitution bill

Home/Policies & Legislation | Posted 01/04/2016

Idaho is the latest US state to pass a bill that will allow the substitution of biosimilars at the pharmacy level. To date, 16 states have passed legislation requiring prescriber communication and record keeping for biosimilars [1-4].

Oregon passes biosimilars substitution law

Home/Policies & Legislation | Posted 18/03/2016

Oregon is the latest US state to pass a law that will allow the substitution of biosimilars at the pharmacy level. To date, 16 states have passed legislation requiring prescriber communication and record keeping for biosimilars [1-4].

Kentucky Senate passes biosimilars substitution bill

Home/Policies & Legislation | Posted 11/03/2016

The Kentucky Senate is the latest US state to pass a bill that will allow the substitution of biosimilars at the pharmacy level. To date, 15 states have passed legislation requiring prescriber communication and record keeping for biosimilars [1-4].

UK’s competition authority fines GSK for pay-for-delay

Home/Policies & Legislation | Posted 11/03/2016

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced on 12 February 2016 that it had fined GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) GBP 37.6 million for anticompetitive conduct and agreements in relation to the supply of paroxetine.

Obama budget aims to increase use of generics and biosimilars

Home/Policies & Legislation | Posted 04/03/2016

President Obama has revealed plans to increase the use of generics and biosimilars in his fiscal year 2017 budget proposal.

Biosimilars in UK gain NICE recommendation

Home/Policies & Legislation | Posted 05/02/2016

Biosimilars may be set to increase their market share in the UK after the country’s healthcare cost watchdog recommended that rheumatoid arthritis patients indicated for treatment with biologicals should ‘start treatment with the least expensive drug’.