Legislation could clear way for biosimilars

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that several developments in Congress could make biosimilars--generic versions of biotech drugs--a reality in the U.S. Biotech companies have long resisted the arrival of biosimilars, claiming their therapies are too complex to permit knockoffs. The generic makers, meanwhile, say that the real resistance has more to do with a reluctance to allow another company to drag down prices. Among the proposed legislation is Rep. Henry Waxman's (D-CA) plan to introduce legislation that would install a regulatory framework to approve the generic biologics. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) could propose a similar measure in the Senate.

- read this Philadelphia Inquirer report for more