MichBio endorse Governor Rick Snyder for signing legislation to pave way for Interchangeable biologic medicines

The Biotechnology Organization and MichBio support Governor Rick Snyder for signing critical legislation to pave way for the substitution of Interchangeable biologic medicines conveying succinctly to patients and physicians.

Governor Snyder signed  House Bill 4472 this week, following broad bipartisan support in both the Michigan Senate and House. The policies outlined in the bill align with BIO’s principles on biologic substitution and garnered our support. BIO and MichBio are grateful to the legislature, particularly Senator Mike Shirkey and the bill’s sponsor Representative John G. Bizon, MD, for their leadership on this issue.

Jim Greenwood, BIO’s President and Chief Executive Officer said “By signing this bill into law, Governor Snyder has added Michigan to the list of states that allow retail pharmacies to substitute interchangeable biologic medicines.”

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees approval of biologic medicines and designation of interchangeability, policies governing whether one product may be substituted in place of a doctor’s prescription and whether a pharmacist must inform patients and doctors are covered by state law. House Bill 4472 seeks to properly preserve patient access to accurate prescription information, maintain incentives for innovation and promote a competitive market for biologic therapies. BIO supports full communication in the substitution process, as patients and their physicians should know what biologic medicine the patient receives from the pharmacy.

MichBio President & CEO Dr. Stephen Rapundalo said “This important bill will provide patients more opportunities to address their medical needs, particularly severely ill patients who rely on complex biological treatments.”