FTC Report Disagrees With Key Provision Of Biologics Bill Backed By Companies

From The Cancer Letter, June 12, 2009:

A report by the Federal Trade Commission disagreed with a key provision of the follow-on biologics bill supported by the innovator companies. That measure, introduced by Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) gives innovators 12 years of exclusivity, but the term can be increased to 14 years if the company develops additional indications.

A competing measure, introduced by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), chairman of the Committee on Energy & Commerce, caps the innovators exclusivity period at five years. According to the FTC report, the 12- to 14-year regulatory exclusivity period is too long to promote innovation.

For the full story, click on The Cancer Letter Archive at left to read the June 12 issue (subscription or day pass required). _____
tags: drug development|  legislation