The Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines was organized to serve as an authoritative resource center of information for the general public, as well as the healthcare and health policy communities, on the issues surrounding biologic medications.

Each state will be considering or introducing legislation to address what an FDA determination on interchangeability will mean for state substitution policies.  While the ultimate goal is to find a balance between producing economical drugs and respecting the drug-discovery process, patient safety should be paramount.

We are particularly concerned about how state laws and regulations will impact the doctor-patient relationship. Doctors and patients should be able to carefully choose the best course of treatment rather than have legislators and regulators decide for them. The path state governments decide to pursue in approving biosimilars should reinforce this principle.

As such, a number of local organizations have joined together to ensure that state biosimilar interchangeability and substitution issues are not implemented in ways that negatively impact patient care or the role of the physician in that process.

Please check back for more information on our membership and activities.

• Archive

  New York Becomes 36th State to Pass Biosimilar Substitution Law

  November 5, 2017

  On Monday, October 23rd, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed biosimilars legislation (S.4788A/A.7509A) regarding the pharmacy substitution of interchangeable biosimilar medical products—a measure ASBM and others have pursued in New York over the past two years.   New York is now the 36th state to pass biosimilars substitution legislation.  This law (Chapter 357 of the Laws of 2017) […]

  New York Becomes 36th State to Pass Biosimilar Substitution Law

  November 5, 2017

  On Monday, October 23rd, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed biosimilars legislation (S.4788A/A.7509A) regarding the pharmacy substitution of interchangeable biosimilar medical products—a measure ASBM and others have pursued in New York over the past two years.   New York is now the 36th state to pass biosimilars substitution legislation.  This law (Chapter 357 of the Laws of 2017) […]

  What a Difference a Year Makes!

  November 18, 2016

  Philip J. Schneider, MS FASHP Associate Dean, University of Arizona College of Pharmacy ASBM Advisory Board Chair This past weekend it was my honor to participate in a continuing education course for 100 New York pharmacists on the topic of biologic medicines and biosimilars, including safety and regulatory considerations which affect pharmacy practice.  The 5-hour […]

  What a Difference a Year Makes!

  November 18, 2016

  Philip J. Schneider, MS FASHP Associate Dean, University of Arizona College of Pharmacy ASBM Advisory Board Chair This past weekend it was my honor to participate in a continuing education course for 100 New York pharmacists on the topic of biologic medicines and biosimilars, including safety and regulatory considerations which affect pharmacy practice.  The 5-hour […]

  Lupus and Allied Diseases Association: Affordable access critical for care

  June 18, 2016

  Biosimilar drugs hold advantages for people like me, just as biologic medicines have for millions living with life-threatening and life-diminishing diseases. Access to appropriate medication can dramatically improve disease outcome and quality of life. As more biosimilars become available, we want to ensure they are safe and affordable. I strongly support S6311 and A8648A, which […]

  Lupus and Allied Diseases Association: Affordable access critical for care

  June 18, 2016

  Biosimilar drugs hold advantages for people like me, just as biologic medicines have for millions living with life-threatening and life-diminishing diseases. Access to appropriate medication can dramatically improve disease outcome and quality of life. As more biosimilars become available, we want to ensure they are safe and affordable. I strongly support S6311 and A8648A, which […]

  NY pharmacist: Help ensure access to life-changing treatments

  June 8, 2016

  June 8, 2016 By Joe Bova, M.S., R.Ph. Biologic medicines currently help millions of patients suffering from serious conditions like cancer, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. New medicines called biosimilars, which attempt to mimic the therapeutic properties of the original biologics, are becoming available. These will create new treatment options — and cost savings — […]

  ASBM Presents to New York State Pharmacy Society

  June 4, 2016

  ASBM Presents to New York State Pharmacy Society  On June 3rd, ASBM’s Advisory Board Chair Dr. Philip Schneider, Associate Dean at the University of Arizona’s College of Pharmacy, presented to the Pharmacy Society of the State of New York (PSSNY) at a forum held at the Albany College of Pharmacy. Dr. Schneider discussed how biologics […]

  ASBM Presents to New York State Pharmacy Society

  June 4, 2016

  ASBM Presents to New York State Pharmacy Society  On June 3rd, ASBM’s Advisory Board Chair Dr. Philip Schneider, Associate Dean at the University of Arizona’s College of Pharmacy, presented to the Pharmacy Society of the State of New York (PSSNY) at a forum held at the Albany College of Pharmacy. Dr. Schneider discussed how biologics […]

  ASBM Presents to New York State Rheumatology Society

  October 2, 2015

  At the New York State Rheumatology Society 2015 Fall Meeting, held October 2nd in Saratoga, NY, ASBM presented a briefing entitled “Biosimilars: Regulatory Challenges and Physician Perspectives”. which discussed the current state of U.S. and international biosimilar regulation, including the topics of biosimilar naming, labeling, and substitution. ASBM shared survey data from physicans in eleven countries on these issues. Mr. […]