In a move with implications for health care expenses, the US Supreme Court has asked the Obama administration for its views on a heated dispute over a rule that will determine when lower-cost biosimilar medicines can be launched.
At issue is the ability of brand-name drug makers to delay the introduction of biosimilars, which are highly identical versions of expensive biologics. And the court wants the US solicitor general to help determine whether it should hear about a contentious battle between two big drug makers — Amgen and Sandoz — that might settle the matter.
The rule in question concerns the notice that a brand-name company is entitled to receive from a drug maker that wants to sell a biosimilar.
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