Connecticut Senate Bill SB00048

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/19
• Refer: 1/15/19
• Refer: 3/20/19
• Report Pass: 3/21/19
• Refer: 3/29/19
• Report Pass: 4/4/19
• Refer: 4/24/19
• Report Pass: 4/30/19
• Report Pass: 5/1/19
• Refer: 5/17/19
• Report Pass: 5/21/19

Caption

An Act Requiring Manufacturers Of Brand Name Prescription Drugs To Provide Samples Of Such Drugs To Manufacturers Of Generic Prescription Drugs.

Impact

If SB00048 is enacted, it will amend existing statutes related to pharmaceutical manufacturers by increasing the availability of important drug samples needed for testing and development purposes. The expectation is that more generic drugs will enter the market, leading to greater price competition and reduced costs for consumers. However, the bill mandates that the prices charged by generic manufacturers for these drugs must not exceed the wholesale acquisition cost, thereby ensuring that the price to consumers remains fair and consistent with current regulations.

Summary

SB00048, also known as the Act Requiring Manufacturers of Brand Name Prescription Drugs to Provide Samples of Such Drugs to Manufacturers of Generic Prescription Drugs, aims to facilitate the development of generic drugs by ensuring that generic manufacturers have access to samples of brand-name drugs. The bill mandates that brand-name drug manufacturers and wholesalers make their drugs available at the wholesale acquisition cost to eligible product developers seeking to create generic alternatives. This is intended to lower the costs associated with developing generics and ultimately making medications more accessible to consumers.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB00048 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among advocates for increased access to affordable medications. Proponents argue that the ability for generic manufacturers to obtain brand-name samples without unnecessary restrictions will bolster competition in the pharmaceutical market, benefiting consumers through lower prices. Nonetheless, there may be concerns among some stakeholders about the potential impact on brand-name drug manufacturers, who might oppose the requirement to provide samples, claiming it could lead to financial losses and affect their ability to innovate.

Contention

The bill has faced some contention, primarily from representatives of brand-name drug manufacturers who argue that requiring them to provide free samples to competitors undermines their market position. They claim it might lead to unfair advantages for generic producers and could hinder their research and development capabilities. The legislative discussions showcased a split in viewpoints, highlighting a broader debate on how best to balance access to medications with the sustainability of pharmaceutical innovation.