On January 24th, ASBM participated in a briefing for 25 Kansas state legislators, patients, and others regarding HB 2107, a recently introduced biosimilar substitution bill similar to those passed by 26 states and Puerto Rico. ASBM had submitted a letter of support for the bill the previous day.  Read ASBM’s letter of support for HB 2107 here.

Stephen Marmaras from Global Healthy Living Foundation, an ASBM Steering Committee Member, presented the patient perspective on biosimilar substitution, discussing the benefits biosimilars will bring to patients including lower costs, while highlighting the importance to patients of transparency and knowing what product they receive.

ASBM’s Advisory Board Chair Philip Schneider followed Mr. Marmaras with a presentation on the pharmacist perspective. Dr. Schneider emphasized the importance of good communication and collaboration between healthcare providers, and discussed the evolution of biosimilar substitution bills nationally, so as to not place undue burden on pharmacists. View Dr. Schneider’s presentation here. 

Later that day, Dr. Schneider testified before the Kansas House Health and Human Services Committee in support of HB 2107. His testimony read, in part: 

“Because biologic products differ from generics in complexity and are not identical chemical products, [HB 2107] ensures there will be clear and timely communication between pharmacists and prescribers to ensure medical records reflect which specific product has been dispensed to the patient. Pharmacists will have up to 5 business days to relay information on which medication is dispensed, so that all providers will have an accurate patient medical record…Having an accurate patient record allows providers to assess the patient’s response to a particular treatment, including proper attribution of any adverse events to the correct product, and helps us make informed treatment decisions.”

Read Dr. Schneider’s written testimony in support of HB 2107 here.