North American Generic Drugmakers Call for Rejection of New Exclusivity Period for Biologics

Statement of the Association for Accessible Medicines, Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association, and Mexican Association of Generic Medicines on the Announcement U.S.-Mexico Understanding on Biologic Exclusivity

The announced trade understanding between the U.S. and Mexico to extend brand name biologic data protection to ten years will harm patients who seek more affordable medicines. This provision would harm the growing biosimilar industry, which aims to provide price competition to some of the most expensive prescription drugs and allow patients to benefit from affordable medicines. The U.S., Mexico and Canada should reject these provisions, which would benefit brand name drug companies to the detriment of public health and the affordability of medical care.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Rachel Schwartz 
202.249.7147 (o)
202.251.8881 (c)

About the Biosimilars Council

The Biosimilars Council, a division of the Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM), works to ensure a positive environment for patient access to biosimilar medicines. The Biosimilars Council is a leading source for information about the safety and efficacy of more affordable alternatives to costly brand biologic medicines. Areas of focus include public and health expert education, strategic partnerships, government affairs, legal affairs and regulatory policy. More information is available on our about page.

About AAM

AAM is driven by the belief that access to safe, quality, effective medicine has a tremendous impact on a person’s life and the world around them. Generic and biosimilar medicines improve people’s lives, improving society and the economy in turn. AAM represents the manufacturers and distributors of finished generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars, manufacturers and distributors of bulk pharmaceutical chemicals, and suppliers of other goods and services to the generic industry. Generic pharmaceuticals are 90 percent of prescriptions dispensed in the U.S. but only 23 percent of total drug spending. Additional information is available at www.accesiblemeds.org.