+ Regulatory
Jamie Barrand | Nov 10, 2015

New Jersey law on biologic medicine substitutions applauded

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and Bio NJ said Tuesday they applaud New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie who recently signed legislation that will make it easier for pharmacies to substitute interchangeable biologic medications.

The measure, Assembly Bill 2477, was passed unanimously by the New Jersey Senate and Assembly in October and signed by Christie on Monday.

“Assembly Bill 2477 enjoys the support of physicians across the country, patient groups and both innovator biologic and biosimilar manufacturing companies," BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood said. "This bill includes communication on all biologic medicines dispensed in order to maintain a consistent and complete medical record."

"Assembly Bill 2477 seeks to properly preserve patient access to accurate prescription information, maintain incentives for innovation and promote a competitive market for biologic therapies," Greenwood said.

New Jersey joins several states that permit retail pharmacies to substitute interchangeable biologic medicines.

Debbie Hart, president and CEO of Bio NJ, a network of 400 investors representing research-based life sciences companies and stakeholders, agreed.

"New Jersey is a leader in biotech innovation, and now Gov. Christie has positioned our state as a leader in adopting policies that will allow patients access to safe and effective therapies as interchangeable biologics are approved by the FDA,” Bio NJ President and CEO Debbie Hart said. Bio NJ is a network of 400 investors representing research-based life sciences companies and stakeholders.  

In a joint statement, Bio NJ and BIO urged lawmakers to keep working toward better health care solutions.

"As the New Jersey legislature continues to address issues related to biologic medicines, BIO and Bio NJ encourage policymakers to continue to put patients first," the statement said.

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