By working closely with Congress and the Administration, the Coalition for a Competitive Pharmaceutical Market (CCPM) has made great strides in removing barriers to generic competition and ensuring that consumers and purchasers of prescription drugs have timely access to affordable generic pharmaceuticals.

In July 2002, the U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly to approve legislation introduced by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and John McCain (R-AZ) to increase consumer access to lower cost generic drugs. Then on June 5, 2003, Senators Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA), as well as Senators Schumer and McCain, followed up with a landmark compromise measure that would reduce prescription drug costs by addressing certain loopholes in the Hatch-Waxman Act that improperly delay consumer access to affordable generic drugs. Read the CCPM's press release on this bipartisan Senate proposal.

Strong generic access provisions in the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003 has also closed some of the loopholes that have delayed the introduction of generics into the market and solidified the incentive for generic drug manufacturers to challenge weak or invalid patents on brand-name drugs. In addition, the Medicare bill's tiered co-pay system has helped contain health care costs by encouraging seniors to choose lower-cost generic drugs.

CCPM continues to work with Congress and the Administration to ensure that generic drugs remain a viable option for all Americans. The Coalition is currently working with Congress to ensure a process for the FDA to facilitate the development and approval of biogenerics, or drugs derived from living sources, such as antibiotics and insulins. Learn more about biopharmaceuticals. CCPM is also working with Congress to pass legislation like the Low PRICED Drug Act (S. 2300), a bill sponsored by Senators Stabenow and Lott in the 109th Congress that would close the loopholes that some brand name drug manufacturers are using to extend their patents.  The Coalition is also working to increase funding for the Office of Generic Drugs to speed the review and approval of generic drug applications.