LANSING (WKZO-AM) — Legislation that would regulate the sale and distribution of biosimilar drugs has cleared the Michigan House.
Cutting-edge biologic treatments that attack diseases like psoriasis, arthritis and some cancers at the genetic level are now being introduced into medicine. Biosimilar drugs are the generic equivalent and can be just as effective at a lower price.
“It’s thought that the substitutes will probably be between 15 and 20 percent less expensive,” Rep. John Bizon, R-Battle Creek, said.
Bizon, a medical doctor, sponsored the legislation that would permit pharmacists to dispense the drugs instead of brand-name biologic drugs if the patient is notified and a record is kept.
“I have great concerns that, the way we are going, our ability to provide care, in the future, is going to be limited by the way we’re going to pay for that care,” Bizon said.
It also notifies the doctor who prescribed the treatment that a biosimilar has been dispensed, just in case it turns out it is not to be biosimilar enough.
The legislation now heads for the state Senate for their consideration.
– John McNeill
