CMPI to Host Hill Briefing on Follow-On Biologic Drugs for Media and Congressional Staff with Reps. Eshoo and Rogers

WASHINGTON, July 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Next Wednesday, July 15th, on Capitol Hill, the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest will host a briefing followed by a question-and-answer session for media and Congressional Staff entitled: “A Follow-On Biologics Legislation Update; Congressional Leaders and Medical Experts Discuss Patient Safety.” The event will be co-hosted by two high-ranking members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Congressman Mike Rogers (R-MI). The Representatives are lead sponsors of bipartisan legislation to modernize the regulatory pathway for Food and Drug Association approval of follow-on biologics.

Representative Eshoo’s legislation: H.R. 1548, the Pathway for Biosimilars Act ensures that new standards for testing will make certain that follow-on biologic drugs are both safe and effective. The bill currently has 108 cosponsors and has the broadest bipartisan support of any legislation designed to regulate follow-on biologics.

“CMPI applauds Representatives Eshoo’s and Rogers’ commitment to ensuring patient safety is the top-priority for follow-on biologics legislation,” said Robert Goldberg of CMPI. “The next few weeks are going to be a pivotal time in Congress as health care takes top billing in the House and the Senate. It is critical that advocates for safe and effective follow-on biologics do all they can to support Representative Eshoo’s legislation. Representatives Eshoo’s and Rogers’ dedication to ensuring FDA takes the appropriate steps to ensure the safety of patients could mean the difference between health and illness for millions of Americans.”

Also speaking at the event will be former Congressman Mike Ferguson; Dr. Geno Merli, Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Thomas Jefferson University, and Director, Jefferson Center for Vascular Diseases; and John F. Crowley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Amicus Therapeutics. All three will help highlight the importance of balancing cost reduction and the well-being of patients in the follow-on biologics debate, bringing their unique experiences and perspectives directly to Hill staffers.

WHO: Representative Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Representative Mike Rogers (R-MI), Leading Medical Experts

WHAT: Briefing for media and Congressional staff

WHEN: Next Wednesday, July 15th, 12-1 p.m.

WHERE: Cannon Caucus Room, Cannon House Office Building 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C.

WHY: A Follow-On Biologics Legislation Update; Congressional Leaders and Medical Experts Discuss Patient Safety

Those interested in attending this event can RSVP via email to Meryl Reichbach at mreichbach@cmpi.org or by calling her at 212-417-9169.

About CMPI

The Center for Medicine in the Public Interest, a non-profit public policy group dedicated to research-based free market reforms for the health care industry.

SOURCE Center for Medicine in the Public Interest