Twenty Leading African-American and Hispanic Medical and Community Organizations Petition FDA to Reconsider Proposed Labeling Rule

PRESS RELEASE

More Groups say Process Should be Inclusive, Proposed Rule Could Impact Vulnerable Populations

WASHINGTON, DC (September 30, 2014) — Today, 20 prominent African-American and Hispanic community and health care organizations submitted a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raising concerns that its Proposed Rule on Generic Labeling could jeopardize patient safety and access to affordable medicines. This is the second such letter sent to the agency by various institutions representing minority constituencies, including healthcare providers, bringing the total number to 34.The letter focuses on the adverse consequences of the proposed rule on patients, on costs and on vulnerable populations.

“The questions continue to mount, with more groups speaking out about the negative impact of the FDA Proposed Rule,” said Ralph G. Neas, President and CEO of the Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA.) “Now we are hearing from leading minority academic, medical and community organizations that are rightly worried about the impact on patient populations historically and currently underserved by our nation’s health care system. Because they speak for millions of Americans who rely on generic drugs,” Neas continued, “these groups are asking for inclusivity. They are asking to be heard in the FDA decision-making process.”

“Healthcare is paramount to the well-being of our communities, and proposed regulations like this one can have unintended consequences. Vulnerable patients — and the doctors, pharmacists and other health professionals who serve them — should be ensured that the rule change does not make decision-making more confusing,” said Melanie Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation.

The signatories include the Meharry Medical College, the NAACP, the National Hispanic Medical Association, and the National Medical Association. The letter cites specific challenges the rule presents for providers, noting that a recent survey showing that they favor a policy wherein FDA approval would precede any changes to generic drug labels.

“Recently,” the letter states, “a Farleigh Dickinson University’s Public Mind survey found that health professionals were overwhelmingly in favor of making sure that generic drug safety labels are not changed without FDA approval. The survey results show that the Proposed Rule would cause confusion for both health care providers and patients:

• More than three-quarters (76%) of those surveyed say their patients would be at least somewhat confused by multiple labels for the same medicine.
• Eight in 10 (88%) say multiple labels would be very confusing (53%) or somewhat confusing (35%) for themselves.
• Among prescribers, 60% said the change would have an impact on their willingness to recommend generic drug in the future.

The letter also highlights the reliance of lower-income patients on the savings from generics, stating: “Recent studies have continued to raise serious concerns about the level of generic utilization among lower-income patients. The research suggests that there are cultural barriers to understanding of generic efficacy that can lead patients to miss out on the cost-savings generic medications offer. Even more worrying, this research shows it can lead to dangerous non-compliance. The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Proposed Rule on Generic Labeling, as drafted, likely will only add to these challenges.”

Finally, the letter calls for FDA to “fully explore the potential unintended and harmful consequences that the Proposed Rule may have on patient access — particularly those patient populations currently underserved by our nation’s health care system – and national health care costs before proceeding further with its finalization. Inclusiveness has to be the operating principle.”

This is the latest in a series of joint letters to the agency raising questions about the Proposed Rule, which were signed by more than 50 groups, including associations that represent more than 100,000 pharmacists and more than 40,000 pharmacies. In addition to virtually every member of the healthcare supply chain and providers, the FDA has received letters FDA on behalf of patient advocacy, disability, veterans, and minority organizations.

“Generic drug access is a critical part of keeping healthcare affordable and in reach for all Americans,” said Neas. “This letter underscores once more the imperative that during the FDA’s deliberations around its Proposed Rule on Generic Drug Labeling, racial and ethnic minority populations have a seat at the table to be able to discuss and understand the issue. Before finalizing this rule, the FDA must hear from these voices.”

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About GPhA

GPhA represents the manufacturers and distributors of finished generic pharmaceuticals, manufacturers and distributors of bulk pharmaceutical chemicals, and suppliers of other goods and services to the generic industry. Generic pharmaceuticals fill 86 percent of the prescriptions dispensed in the U.S. but consume just 27 percent of the total drug spending. Additional information is available at www.gphaonline.org. Follow us on twitter: @gpha.