GPhA Statement on FTC Roundtable on B...( ARLINGTON Va. Nov. 21 -- The Generic...),Health

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA) released the following statement today from GPhA President and CEO Kathleen Jaeger regarding the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) roundtable on "Emerging Health Care Competition and Consumer Issues."

"The mere fact that the FTC is conducting this roundtable demonstrates the growing momentum behind ensuring that consumers have access to safe and affordable biogenerics sooner rather than later. As our elected officials grapple with issues like market exclusivity and patent resolution measures, they must do so recognizing that competition will unleash innovation, while at the same time assuring that affordable lifesaving medicines are available for patients in need.

There is no doubt that a sound balance must be struck between innovation and competition in any truly workable biogenerics legislation. This is why GPhA has consistently stated that Hatch-Waxman serves as a reliable model for achieving this shared goal. Hatch-Waxman has been extremely successful for the brand industry, the generic industry, and most importantly, consumers.

We applaud the FTC and Commissioner Pamela Jones Harbour for their forward-looking leadership in addressing the critical issues of competition and innovation in the biopharmaceutical sector. The generic industry agrees with FTC's position, as stated in its May letter to the House Energy & Commerce Committee, that Congress 'should limit companies' ability to game ... exclusivities at the expense of consumers by ... ensuring there is no opportunity for brands effectively to lengthen their exclusivities through insignificant changes to a branded biologic product or through excessive procedural delays.'

2009, the 25th Anniversary of the Hatch-Waxman Act, can be the year when the new Administration and Congress can truly increase access to affordable health care
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