Article

Biosimilars Council Announces 2016 Board of Directors

The Biosimilars Council, a division of the Generic Pharmaceutical Association today announced its 2016 Board of Directors.

PRESS RELEASE

Washington, DC - The Biosimilars Council, a division of the Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA), today announced its 2016 Board of Directors. Dr. Bertrand C. Liang, Chief Executive Officer, Pfenex Inc has been re-elected as Biosimilars Council Chairman. The Council also named Bruce Leicher, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Vice Chairman and Bruce Lott, Mylan’s vice president of State Government Relations and Global Biologics Policy, as Secretary/Treasurer.

“I am very pleased to continue chairing the Biosimilars Council and working to ensure a competitive legal and policy framework for biosimilars, and interchangeable biologics, in the United States,” said Dr. Liang. “As the leading manufacturer voice for these life-changing medicines, the Council plays an important role in educating payors, providers, and policy makers on the safety and efficacy of biosimilars, while encouraging a pathway that expedites patient access.”

Biologics are medicines made from living organisms, and they are used to treat diseases such as cancer, AIDS, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and diabetes. Once FDA-approved, there are no clinically meaningful differences between the biosimilar and the reference (brand) biologic in terms of safety, purity and potency.

“The Biosimilars Council is a strong partner for those involved with this rapidly expanding industry. With Bert’s continued leadership, the Council will continue to be instrumental in discussions on biosimilar naming, reimbursement, state substitution and other policy and regulatory priorities that enhance patient access to more affordable medicines,” said Chip Davis, President and CEO, GPhA.

“Projected savings from biosimilars vary from $44 billion to more than $250 billion over 10 years, but that potential hinges on the creation of an environment that encourages pharmaceutical competition,” said Leicher. “The Council is right on the front lines of this effort and will continue to encourage policy that exerts downward cost pressure on our health system.”

“I’m very pleased to be a part of the Biosimilars Council representing manufacturers of more affordable therapies for patients managing many chronic and severe diseases,” said Lott. “The U.S. introduction of more biosimilars will lower treatment costs and provide patients with safe and effective choices that can translate to billions in savings for the health system.”

The Biosimilars Council Board of Directors includes representatives from the following member companies:

• Amneal BioSciences, LLC • ApoBiologix • Biocon • Dr. Reddy’s • Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. • Mylan Inc. • Pfenex Inc. • Sandoz • Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. • Teva Pharmaceuticals USA • Zydus Pharmaceuticals

Related Videos
Image credit: Peter Hansen | stock.adobe.com
Psychiatrist talking a patient about their mental health