News release: “The Federal Trade Commission today released a report entitled, Emerging Health Care Issues: Follow-on Biologic Drug Competition, which examines whether the price of biologic drugs – products manufactured using living tissues and microorganisms – could be reduced by competition from so-called “follow-on biologics” (FOBs). FOBs are like generic drugs, but with significant differences. Biologics are increasingly used to treat arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and other diseases. No pathway currently exists for such FOBs to enter the market and compete with their pioneer counterparts. The FTC’s Report concludes that providing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the authority to approve such FOBs would be an efficient way to bring these lower-priced drugs to market.”