Submitted to the Editor - New York Times

January 29, 2013

To The Editor:

The article “Biotech Firms, Billions at Risk, Lobby States to Limit Generics,” Jan 29 was remiss in not reporting that Amgen is developing both original biologics and biosimilars.  As such, we are unequivocal in our support for state pharmacy acts that enhance safety monitoring of substituted biologics.  

Readers may recall last week, with our oncology biosimilars partner Actavis, we disclosed that we are developing four biosimilar versions of cancer treatments. Given Amgen’s active involvement in originator and biosimilar medicines, we believe that no matter what biologic is used, the safety of all patients is of paramount importance. Hence, we openly support consistent, patient-focused policies at federal and state levels. 

States’ efforts to create substitution rules that strengthen communication between physician and patient will help accelerate the successful implementation of the U.S. biosimilars pathway.

Scott Foraker
Vice President, Amgen Biosimilars
Thousand Oaks, California