Opposing CMS rule, advancing SAF

Members of Congress joined the chorus against CMS’ proposed rule on the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, and several U.S. Representatives introduced a bill to advance SAF. Ahead of Veterans Day, we look at how biotech—including BIO’s vice chair—is recognizing and supporting veterans. (684 words, 3 minutes, 25 seconds)  

Members of Congress urge CMS to withdraw MDRP proposed rule

Members of Congress urge Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to withdraw a proposed rule on the Medicaid drug rebate program that would harm patient access while creating fiscal uncertainty for states—and BIO agrees.

ICYMI: The CMS proposal would make manufacturers aggregate, or “stack,” all discounts and rebates received throughout their supply chain when determining the “Best Price” for the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. The “Best Price” establishes what state Medicaid programs pay for drugs.

The news: Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Chair of the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee, and Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) led a letter to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure urging CMS to withdraw the proposed rule.

Why it matters: Proposed changes “could lead to significant disruptions in the health care system, especially at facilities primarily administering life-saving and curative cell and gene therapies that are relying on these innovative reimbursement approaches for these treatments,” say more than 20 Energy & Commerce Republicans.

Senators agree: Senate Finance Committee Republicans recently sent a similar letter to CMS.

Biotech agrees:BIO submitted comments to CMS explaining why the proposed rule “would have a detrimental impact on patients, the commercial marketplace, and the Medicaid program,” and the Council of State Bioscience Association (CSBA) concurred in an October letter.

What’s next: With substantial opposition, the rule awaits a final decision—stay tuned.

More Health News:

FDA: FDA approves first vaccine to prevent disease caused by chikungunya virus
“Chikungunya is an emerging global health threat with at least 5 million cases of chikungunya virus infection reported during the past 15 years.” The vaccine is developed by BIO member Valneva.

This bill would help SAF take off

Several U.S. Representatives introduced the Farm to Fly Act, a bipartisan bill to align the definition of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) across regulatory agencies to advance this clean energy solution.

Why SAF matters: Typically manufactured from waste and renewable biomass, SAFs drop into standard jet engines and can lower emissions by 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.

What the bill will do: By aligning the definition, the legislation will leverage U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) bioenergy programs, enabling companies to ramp up production and meet soaring demand for SAF.

What they’re saying: “The Farm to Fly Act is important for three main reasons: it will provide access to new markets for our nation’s farmers, it will drive rural economic development, and it will strengthen our domestic energy resources,” says co-sponsor Rep. Max Miller (R-OH).

BIO’s take: “American innovators are producing the low-carbon fuels needed for cleaner flight to take off—but policy uncertainty limits their potential,” says BIO VP for Agriculture & Environment Beth Ellikidis. “BIO looks forward to working with members of Congress to strengthen the bill’s definitions so they can provide an important foundation for continued innovation in biotech and climate-tech.”

Biotech marks Veterans Day

On Veterans Day, BIO recognizes our servicemembers—including our vice chair—and the important links between our industry and the military.  

Why it matters: Veterans Day is a day to “think about how we can work together and think about ways to give back to those who have served,” said BIO’s Vice Chair John Crowley, CEO of Amicus Therapeutics.

“Service and sacrifice is something incredibly important for all of us,” said Crowley, a U.S. Navy combat veteran. “But that bigger sense of mission, of purpose, is very clear to us in the military and it’s equally clear in biotechnology.”

Life sciences companies would be wise to hire veterans, writes Biocom California President & CEO Joe Panetta in the San Diego Union-Tribune. “Across all industries, veterans are 39 percent more likely to be promoted than their nonveteran peers and 8.3 percent more likely to remain at their initial company than their peers, according to LinkedIn’s Veteran Opportunity Report.

“This should come as no surprise though—I can think of very few professions that require the level of dedication, discipline, rapid learning and adaptability that’s requisite in serving our nation’s military,” he continues, noting Biocom California’s initiative to prepare veterans for life sciences jobs. 

More reading:How to advocate for women veterans – and why it matters

President Biden’s Friday: No public events scheduled. 

What’s Happening on Capitol Hill: Veterans Day holiday.