October 8th, 2008

Matthews in The Shreveport Times: ’Biologics--How to Regulate the Science Frontier’

Posted in  Health Care  Intellectual Property 
Author: Erin Humiston || Location: Lewisville, Texas, USA

In a brand new op/ed published today in The Shreveport Times, IPI resident scholar and health care expert Dr. Merrill Matthews discusses a “step in the right direction” to protecting intellectual property rights and therefore the future of a critical new frontier in medicine—biologics.

Matthews writes:

“Congress is currently debating a bill that would establish new rules for one of the most promising fields of medical technology this country has ever seen. The Pathway for Biosimilars Act includes new rules for intellectual property protection for "biologics," pharmaceutical drugs derived from living organisms.

Most of what you think you know about traditional prescription drugs doesn't apply to biologics. They usually come in a vial, not a pill. They are as effective as they are complex; indeed they are effective because they are complex. Biologic drugs have proven uniquely effective against diseases like cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and AIDS. They're the next-generation of warriors in the fight against illness and disease.

The Act is a step in the right direction. A clear, robust legal framework for the industry will keep the investment dollars flowing and preserve the financial incentives that entice firms to develop new treatments…”

To read the full article, please visit The Shreveport Times online.