Sen. Hill Argues Brown Should Sign Biosimilar Bill

In a Sacramento Bee viewpoint, Sen. Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) argues that a bill (SB 598) awaiting action by Gov. Jerry Brown (D) would expand access to biosimilar medications, which are a lower-cost version of medications called biologics. The measure -- authored by Hill -- would allow pharmacists to dispense less-expensive biosimilars when physicians prescribe biologic medication. Hill said, "Since the FDA could authorize the use of biosimilars anytime in the coming years, it's imperative that California have the regulatory framework in place to allow these lower-cost medications to be dispensed to patients as soon as possible."

• "Viewpoints: California Should Update Policy on Biosimilar Medicines" (Hill, Sacramento Bee, 10/8).