FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2025
Arlington, VA – The Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines (ASBM) today expressed its support and gratitude to Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ted Budd (R-NC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), James Lankford (R-OK), and Steve Daines (R-MT) for their leadership in introducing the Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures (EPIC) Act (S. 832) March 4th. This vital legislation aims to maintain America’s global leadership in pharmaceutical innovation and ensure continued access to essential drugs for patients.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), small-molecule drugs, which account for more than 90% of all prescriptions and typically come in pill form, are subjected to price control mechanisms just nine years after their market introduction. In contrast, biologic medicines—complex treatments administered via injections or infusions—are not subjected to price negotiations until 13 years post-launch. This disparity discourages investment in small-molecule drug research, as manufacturers have a shorter period to recoup their research and development costs. Since the implementation of the IRA in 2021, investment in small-molecule drug development has plummeted by 70% as manufacturers shift resources toward biologics.
“The ‘pill penalty’ imposed by the IRA has severely curtailed investment in small-molecule drug research,” stated Michael Reilly, Executive Director of ASBM and former Associate Deputy Secretary in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Small molecule drugs are critical for the treatment of many serious conditions like heart disease, cancer, and mental health disorders. This ‘pill penalty’ jeopardizes the health of millions of patients today and in the future as new small molecule treatments aren’t developed. The EPIC Act is a crucial step in ensuring that American patients continue to have access to innovative therapies for these and other conditions.”
The EPIC Act aims to address these disparities by establishing a level playing field for small-molecule drugs and biologic medicines, which is essential for fostering the continued development of all types of drugs. “We commend the senators for their vision and commitment to securing a healthier future for all Americans,” added Reilly.
The Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines urges members of both chambers of Congress to support the EPIC Act and its companion bill in the House of Representatives (H.R. 1492). This legislation promise to safeguard innovation and ensure ongoing investment in medical advancements that benefit patients nationwide.
To learn more about the importance of this legislation and the broader impact of the IRA’s policies, please visit our website: www.SafeBiologics.org/IRA
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
media@SafeBiologics.org
About ASBM
The Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines (ASBM) is a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including physicians, pharmacists, patient advocates, researchers, and biopharmaceutical manufacturers. Since 2010, ASBM has worked with regulators worldwide to shape policies that reflect the best interests of patients, ensuring access to lifesaving and life-enhancing medicines while fostering innovation in healthcare.
