Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB06619

Introduced
2/8/23  
Introduced
2/8/23  
Refer
2/8/23  
Refer
2/8/23  
Report Pass
3/14/23  
Report Pass
3/14/23  
Refer
3/24/23  
Report Pass
3/30/23  

Caption

An Act Concerning Prohibiting Pay For Delay.

Impact

The bill is set to impact state laws surrounding drug pricing and patent enforcement significantly. With its focus on eliminating barriers to competition, HB 6619 would allow increased access to generic alternatives for consumers, potentially leading to lower healthcare costs. The legislation emphasizes the state's commitment to ensuring that healthcare remains affordable and accessible, aligning state policy with federal goals of promoting competition in the pharmaceutical market. Furthermore, the bill would empower the Attorney General to bring action against companies that engage in such anticompetitive agreements, reinforcing enforcement mechanisms at the state level.

Summary

House Bill 6619 aims to prohibit what are commonly referred to as 'pay-for-delay' agreements in the pharmaceutical industry. These agreements often occur when a brand name drug manufacturer pays a generic competitor to delay the entry of their version of a drug into the market, which can lead to artificially high prices for consumers. If enacted, this bill would create a legal presumption that such agreements have anticompetitive effects, thereby encouraging more competition and facilitating earlier access to lower-cost generic drugs. The provisions are designed to enhance consumer welfare by fostering a more competitive drug market in Connecticut.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding HB 6619 appears to be largely favorable, particularly among consumer advocacy groups and some legislators who argue that the bill is a necessary step towards reducing drug costs and preventing monopolistic practices in the pharmaceutical industry. Supporters argue that eliminating pay-for-delay agreements will open up the market for generics, benefiting patients and the healthcare system overall. However, there is also apprehension from some pharmaceutical companies that enforceability of patent rights could be undermined, potentially discouraging investment in drug development.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 6619 include concerns from pharmaceutical companies about the implications for patent rights and innovation. Critics warn that strict regulations against pay-for-delay agreements could lead to reduced incentives for companies to invest in the research and development of new drugs. They argue that patent protection is crucial for fostering innovation in the pharmaceutical sector, and overly aggressive measures could stifle the very advancements the legislation seeks to promote. The ongoing debate highlights the complex balance between promoting competition and ensuring adequate protections for intellectual property in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SB00008

An Act Concerning Drug Affordability.

CT HB05150

An Act Concerning Cannabis And Hemp Regulation.

CT HB05145

An Act Concerning Innovation Banks.

CT SB00007

An Act Concerning Connecticut Paid Sick Days.

CT SB00292

An Act Concerning The Use Of Pfas In Certain Products.

CT HB05236

An Act Concerning Recommendations By The Department Of Consumer Protection.

CT SB00398

An Act Concerning The Regulation And Taxation Of Travel Insurance And Associated Entities, Products And Professionals.

CT HB05235

An Act Concerning The Department Of Consumer Protection's Recommendations Regarding Cannabis Regulation.

CT SB00002

An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence.

CT HB05054

An Act Addressing Health Care Affordability.

Similar Bills

CA AB824

Business: preserving access to affordable drugs.

CT SB00269

An Act Concerning The Availability Of Generic Pharmaceuticals.

CT SB00251

An Act Concerning The Availability Of Generic Pharmaceuticals.

RI H5913

Provides that an agreement resolving a patent infringement claim, in connection with the sale of a pharmaceutical product, is to be presumed to have anticompetitive effects if a nonreference drug filer receives anything of value.

CA SB999

Mobilehome park residencies: rent control: exemption: COVID-19.

CA AB2533

Child welfare services: Indian tribes.

CA AB873

Child welfare services: Indian tribes.

CA AB1378

Child welfare services: prevention services: Indian tribes.