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# GPhA: Generics Help Drug Pricing, Not Hurt It
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/gpha-generics-help-drug-pricing-not-hurt-it/
- Published: 2016-02-02T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T02:32:47.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5134637

> A 2/1 Congressional briefing by the Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA) concluded that generic drug prices are not an important part of the drug cost problem facing the nation. The group reiterated findings from a recent HHS brief on [Understanding Recent Trends in Generic Drug Prices](https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/175071/GenericsDrugpaperr.pdf?ref=fdaweb.com), which revealed that about two-thirds of generic products appear to have experienced price declines in 2014\. “While Congress and others discuss ways to lower health spending, the focus should be on increasing pharmaceutical competition and expanding access to safe, effective and more affordable generic drugs,” GPhA says in a [release.](http://www.gphaonline.org/gpha-media/press/gpha-to-congress-embrace-five-opportunities-for-more-generic-drug-savings?ref=fdaweb.com)  
>  
> Generics are 88% of prescriptions dispensed in the U.S., delivered at only a third of total prescription drug costs, the group reminded Congress. “Generics saved the U.S. health system $254 billion in 2014, according to the most recent Generic Drug Savings in the U.S. report compiled by IMS Health on behalf of GPhA.”  
>  
> GPhA outlined five solutions for increasing pharmaceutical competition:Ensure a fully-resourced FDA can address the backlog of more than 3,800 generic drug applications stalled while waiting for approval and shorten FDA median generic drug approval timelines, which, at the industry’s best estimate, currently stand at 48 months.Increase generic utilization among the low-income Medicare population, which could save up to $17.7 billion over 10 years.Pass the bipartisan FAST Generics Act to curb some brand drug company abuses of FDA safety programs such as Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies used to keep generics off the market, an estimated savings of $2.4 billion over 10 years.Work closely with industry and regulatory partners to ensure that the framework for biosimilars expands and expedites patient access. Estimated savings biosimilars savings range from $44 billion to $250 billion.Repeal Sec. 602 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015\. “The Medicaid rebate increase for generic drugs in the budget deal is bad for Medicaid and its beneficiaries, bad for taxpayers, and it should be immediately repealed,” the group says.