SB 514
2015-2016 Session: Convene: 1/6/15 and Adjourn: 12/31/15

5/13/15: Senate passed the bill by a vote of 39-8

Reported as amended [out of committee] on 2/25/15

• Bill Information

  Defines “interchangeable biological product” as a biological product meeting FDA’s standard for interchangeability or a biologic determined to be therapeutically equivalent to a prescribed biological product.

  Permits the dispensing of an interchangeable biological product in place of a prescribed biologic, provided that:

  —FDA determined that the biosimilar interchangeable with the prescribed biologic;

  —prescriber does not indicate that substitution is prohibited;

  —pharmacist notifies the patient of the substitution;

  —pharmacist notifies the prescriber of the biologic dispensed within a reasonable time, electronically if possible (and by other means if not), except when there is no FDA-approved interchangeable biosimilar or the prescription is a refill that is unchanged from the prior filling;

  —the biologic requires prescription to be dispensed;

  —pharmacist that substitutes a less expensive interchangeable biologic charges the purchaser the “regular and customary retail price” for the interchangeable biologic; and

  —pharmacist retains record of the substitution.

  Directs pharmacies to post a sign stating “Pennsylvania law permits pharmacists to substitute a less expensive generically equivalent drug or interchangeable biological product for a brand name drug unless you or your physician direct otherwise.”

  Directs pharmacies to make available a price listing of the brand name biologic and interchangeable.

  Directs the Department of Health to provide notice, every three months, that a list of interchangeable biologics is available from FDA. Permits the Secretary to determine that a drug is not an interchangeable biologic for the purposes of substitution.

  Establishes that a pharmacist who substitutes a biosimilar is not subject to greater liability than would be incurred in filling the biologic prescription. Establishes that a prescriber is not liable for injury arising from substitution.

• Archive

  ASBM Presents at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia

  September 15, 2016

  On September 15th, 2016, ASBM held an educational forum at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (USciences). The program drew 50 attendees comprised of pharmacists, faculty members, pharmacy students. The program began with an introduction to biosimilars from USciences Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Dr. Zhiyu Li. Dr. Li is Director of Undergraduate Pharmacology/Toxicology Program, where he […]

  A Picture is worth a thousand words…

  September 15, 2016

  A Picture is worth a thousand words… Why Memorable Names are preferred by Pharmacists by Philip Schneider, MS FASHP Associate Dean, University of Arizona College of Pharmacy ASBM Advisory Board Chair Yesterday, I was in Philadelphia with a group of about 50 pharmacy students and faculty speaking about biosimilars and the role they do play and […]

  A Picture is worth a thousand words…

  September 15, 2016

  A Picture is worth a thousand words… Why Memorable Names are preferred by Pharmacists by Philip Schneider, MS FASHP Associate Dean, University of Arizona College of Pharmacy ASBM Advisory Board Chair Yesterday, I was in Philadelphia with a group of about 50 pharmacy students and faculty speaking about biosimilars and the role they do play and […]

  Andrew Spiegel Testimony in Support of HB 746

  October 10, 2013

  Re: Support of HB 746-Biosimilars Thank you for providing this opportunity to speak about this important issue. My name is Andrew Spiegel.  I am the Executive Director of the Global Colon Cancer Alliance. The Global Colon Cancer Alliance (GCCA) is the voice for colon cancer patients worldwide. Before running the GCCA, I was CEO and […]

  Andrew Spiegel Testimony in Support of HB 746

  October 10, 2013

  Re: Support of HB 746-Biosimilars Thank you for providing this opportunity to speak about this important issue. My name is Andrew Spiegel.  I am the Executive Director of the Global Colon Cancer Alliance. The Global Colon Cancer Alliance (GCCA) is the voice for colon cancer patients worldwide. Before running the GCCA, I was CEO and […]

  Biosimilars Policy Forum: Ensuring Patient Safety

  August 1, 2011

  Alliance for Safe Biologic Medicines & Pennsylvania Bio August 17, 2011 The Quorum at the University Science Center Philadelphia, PA Read More

  Pennsylvania Biotech 2011

  July 13, 2011

  October 24 – 25, 2011 Pennsylvania Convention Center Philadelphia, PA Read More

  Pennsylvania Biotech 2011

  July 13, 2011

  October 24 – 25, 2011 Pennsylvania Convention Center Philadelphia, PA Read More

  Pennsylvania CEO Roundtable

  July 13, 2011

  September 22, 2011 Desmond Great Valley Hotel Malvern, PA Read More

  Pennsylvania CEO Roundtable

  July 13, 2011

  September 22, 2011 Desmond Great Valley Hotel Malvern, PA Read More