Representing the 13th Congressional District of Pennsylvania
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 23, 2009 |
CONTACT: Rachel Magnuson, 202-225-6111 |
| New Dems Backs Eshoo/Inslee Proposal to Create Pathway for Approval of “Follow-On” Biologics |
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The New Democrats praised Inslee's legislation for striking an appropriate balance between patient safety and creating a pathway for timely approval of “follow-on” biologics that will ultimately lead to billions of dollars in health care cost savings.
“America's patients want new cures and they deserve access to cheaper medicines. That's why the Food and Drug Administration needs the authority to approve 'follow-on biologics' Rep. Inslee's legislation will do that and ensure patient safety,” New Democrat Chair Ellen Tauscher (Calif.) said. “This legislation also will help maintain our status as a leader in medical innovation.”
“We must establish a system to bring low-cost, generic forms of biologic medicines to market. It is essential for both protecting patients' health and maintaining America's standing as the world's leader in science and innovation. The Eshoo-Inslee legislation is a commonsense proposal that will increase Americans' access to affordable, life-saving therapies,” said Rep. Joe Crowley, Whip of the New Democrat Coalition.
“This legislation embraces both innovation and patient safety, and will make essential biologic drugs more affordable for American patients,” said New Dem Vice-Chair Rep. Allyson Schwartz, a co-chair of the New Dem Health Care Task Force.
“Low-cost, generic treatments are essential to providing affordable health care for all Americans, especially in these tough economic times,” said Rep. Kind, Vice-Chair of the New Democrat Coalition. “I applaud Rep. Inslee for his approach and am pleased to endorse this bill which will keep patients safe while ensuring American innovation.”
“While other proposals do not go as far, this bill puts in place necessary measures to ensure the United States remains an attractive place for innovators to develop new pharmaceutical treatments,” added Rep. Adam Smith, Vice-Chair of the New Democrat Coalition. “It also opens the door to get more affordable bio-similar versions of biologic drugs on the market. New Dems want to make sure that America stays competitive in this field while getting people cost-effective treatment options in a safe and effective way. This bill does just that.”
“Pharmaceutical leadership in America is critical to worldwide healthcare. This legislation proposed by Reps. Inslee and Eshoo recognizes the necessary risk-reward balance to foster the continued innovation of new drug development and resulting patient benefits,” said New Dem Vice-Chair Rep. Melissa Bean.
The New Democrat Coalition, always leaders on the economy and innovation, is committed to enacting policies that maintain U.S. competitiveness, meet the challenges posed by globalization in the 21st Century and strengthen our national security. The New Dem Coalition is dedicated to providing the leadership necessary to implement policies that will ensure that America maintains its prosperity and global leadership.
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