AARP Responds to BIO Attack Ad
Source: AARP Press Center | 2009-07-08
July 8, 2009
Contact: AARP Media Relations, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org
WASHINGTON—AARP Spokesman Jim Dau released a statement today in response to new advertising by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), which is advocating for an unreasonable 12-year exclusivity period for brand name biologic drugs. Such a deal would create a windfall for the brand name biologic drug makers and keep needed prescription drugs out of the hands of patients. Dau’s statement follows:
“The biologic drug makers are hiding behind the same arguments used by big pharmaceutical companies 25 years ago when they said big pharma would go out of business if they had to compete with generic drugs—and we all know how that turned out. BIO is going even further this time by asking for a protection deal twice as sweet as big pharma got back then, so the real question is, ‘How much more money do they think they can wring out of patients and taxpayers?’
“We represent 40 million older Americans, who use more prescription drugs than any other part of the population and who also suffer from the chronic diseases that can be treated by biologic drugs. We understand better than most that these drugs can be helpful, which is why we support letting biologic drug makers continue benefiting from their hard work and make enough to fund the next wave of drugs. We support protecting the patents on their drugs from competition for five years—even for many drugs that make back their development costs in less than a year. However, by charging more than $20,000 per year for some of these drugs, bio drug makers are making these cures too expensive for the people that need it.
“Americans should have access to safe, affordable generic versions of important biologic drugs, which is why AARP is working with other consumers and patient advocacy groups on this important issue. We understand that even the best drug is worthless if a person in need can’t afford to take it.”
For details on AARP’s health reform priorities, visit http://www.healthactionnow.org.
Contrary to advertisements by the Biotechnology Industry Organization, AARP does not sell or market insurance products, but makes them available through various service providers.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
