Increasing Prescription Drug Competition Act

2/16/2024, 9:08 PM

Increasing Prescription Drug Competition Act

This bill provides that certifications in generic drug applications of certain patents involved in Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) programs have no effect upon the drug's approval. (The Food and Drug Administration sometimes requires a REMS program for certain drugs with safety risks, which may include restrictions on a drug's distribution through elements to ensure safe use (ETASU), such as special requirements for pharmacies that dispense the drug.)

Specifically, certifications in generic drug applications with respect to patents that involve an ETASU for REMS requirements have no effect on the effective date of the drug's approval, notwithstanding any other provisions that allow for a stay of approval pending litigation outcomes (i.e., 30-month stay).

The bill also specifies that in a civil action alleging patent infringement with respect to REMS requirements, the sponsor of the approved brand-name drug may only seek damages from (rather than an injunction against) the generic drug applicant.

Congress
118

Number
S - 574

Introduced on
2023-03-01

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

3/1/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Increasing Prescription Drug Competition Act

This bill provides that certifications in generic drug applications of certain patents involved in Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) programs have no effect upon the drug's approval. (The Food and Drug Administration sometimes requires a REMS program for certain drugs with safety risks, which may include restrictions on a drug's distribution through elements to ensure safe use (ETASU), such as special requirements for pharmacies that dispense the drug.)

Specifically, certifications in generic drug applications with respect to patents that involve an ETASU for REMS requirements have no effect on the effective date of the drug's approval, notwithstanding any other provisions that allow for a stay of approval pending litigation outcomes (i.e., 30-month stay).

The bill also specifies that in a civil action alleging patent infringement with respect to REMS requirements, the sponsor of the approved brand-name drug may only seek damages from (rather than an injunction against) the generic drug applicant.

Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prevent the use of patents, trade secrets, or other intellectual property to inhibit competition.

Policy Areas
Health

Potential Impact
Civil actions and liability
Drug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulation
Prescription drugs

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary9/19/2023

Increasing Prescription Drug Competition Act

This bill provides that certifications in generic drug applications of certain patents involved in Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) programs have no effect upon the drug's a...


Latest Action3/1/2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.