A2477 / S1705

5/14/15: The State Assembly unanimously passed the bill

3/17/14: Introduced, referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

Read the letter ASBM sent to Rep. Lampitt in support of A2477 here.

NJ.com: Legislature Grapples with How to Regulate Biologics, New Class of Medication

February 6, 2015

Measure would require pharmacists to inform doctors when they use new drugs, as well as generic ‘biosimilars’

In recent years, many of the bestselling new medications haven’t been traditional drugs chemically synthesized in labs. Instead, they belong to a growing class of “biologics” — substances that are cultivated from living cells, often by altering the DNA that carries genetic information.

Read full article here.

 

• Bill Information

  Defines “interchangeable” by reference to 42 U.S.C. § 262.

  Permits dispensing of a biosimilar biological product in place of a prescribed biological product, provided that:

  —prescriber does not indicate that substitution is prohibited;

  —pharmacist notifies the prescriber within 5 business days;

  —pharmacist records the substitution on the prescription label and record of dispensing; and

  —pharmacist retains record of the substitution for 5 years.

  Establishes that a pharmacist who substitutes a biosimilar is not subject to greater liability than would be incurred in filling the biologic prescription.

  Directs the Commissioner of Health to make available a list of approved interchangeable products.

• Archive

  Governor Christie Signs NJ Biosimilars Bill

  November 14, 2015

  Governor Chris Christie has signed Assembly Bill 2477 (A2477), which had passed the New Jersey House and Senate unanimously, in May and June respectively. ASBM’s letters of support for A2477 may be read here and here. The Governor’s signature of A2477 brings the total to eighteen states and Puerto Rico which have passed such bills, with 12 […]

  Governor Christie Signs NJ Biosimilars Bill

  November 14, 2015

  Governor Chris Christie has signed Assembly Bill 2477 (A2477), which had passed the New Jersey House and Senate unanimously, in May and June respectively. ASBM’s letters of support for A2477 may be read here and here. The Governor’s signature of A2477 brings the total to eighteen states and Puerto Rico which have passed such bills, with 12 […]