When it comes to protecting and advancing the public health, some states are leaders, others laggards. Consider biosimilars.
On July 20, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed into law Senate Bill 514, which allows pharmacists to substitute for a brand name biological product a less expensive biosimilar product that has been deemed interchangeable by the FDA. Pennsylvania is one of 25 states and territories to enact such a law.
Under the Pennsylvania law, a pharmacist may substitute a biosimilar for a prescribed biologic product only if (1) the biosimilar has been determined by the FDA to be interchangeable with the prescribed product, (2) the prescriber does not designate verbally or in writing on the prescription for that product that substitution is prohibited, and (3) the person presenting the prescription receives notification of such substitution.
A pharmacist must also communicate the substitution to the prescribing physician, unless it is a refill prescription of the same previously dispensed interchangeable biosimilar.
It’s important to note that none of the biosimilars currently approved by the FDA have been approved as “interchangeable.” At least not yet – but as soon as the FDA completes its regulatory pathway, there will be – and there will be many. Those states with Pennsylvania-like legislation in place will recognize larger savings and sounder patient safety faster. That’s a potent public health double play that the folks in Harrisburg have already figured out. It’s time for every state to pay attention.
On July 20, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed into law Senate Bill 514, which allows pharmacists to substitute for a brand name biological product a less expensive biosimilar product that has been deemed interchangeable by the FDA. Pennsylvania is one of 25 states and territories to enact such a law.
Under the Pennsylvania law, a pharmacist may substitute a biosimilar for a prescribed biologic product only if (1) the biosimilar has been determined by the FDA to be interchangeable with the prescribed product, (2) the prescriber does not designate verbally or in writing on the prescription for that product that substitution is prohibited, and (3) the person presenting the prescription receives notification of such substitution.
A pharmacist must also communicate the substitution to the prescribing physician, unless it is a refill prescription of the same previously dispensed interchangeable biosimilar.
It’s important to note that none of the biosimilars currently approved by the FDA have been approved as “interchangeable.” At least not yet – but as soon as the FDA completes its regulatory pathway, there will be – and there will be many. Those states with Pennsylvania-like legislation in place will recognize larger savings and sounder patient safety faster. That’s a potent public health double play that the folks in Harrisburg have already figured out. It’s time for every state to pay attention.
