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Biologics in Perspective: Expanded Clinical Options amid Greater Cost Scrutiny

Biologics in Perspective: The Case for Generic Biologic Drugs

By: Leigh Purvis, AARP Public Policy Institute | Source: AARP Public Policy Institute | May 21, 2009

Spending on biologic drugs is growing nearly twice as quickly as spending on traditionally developed “small molecule” drugs. One factor in the increase in spending on biologics is the lack of a statutory pathway to approve generic, or bio-equivalent, biologic drugs.

Biologics are quickly becoming a common treatment option. Many of the new indications are for conditions that primarily affect older populations, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. However, given the substantial out-of-pocket costs that can be associated with using biologic drugs, many patients will face impeded access until generic biologic drugs become available. (2 pages)

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Saving Jobs in A Recession: How Work Sharing Can Help


Seventeen states have programs that use unemployment funds to keep workers on the job with reduced hours. Learn how federal and state policy can better promote these work-sharing programs--and how several European nations have implemented work-sharing.

The Auto IRA: Strategies for Successful Implementation

Experts from the US and abroad discussed how an Auto-IRA can improve retirement security; lessons from similar programs in New Zealand and the UK; and how the Auto-IRA can work well for workers, small business and the financial industry.

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How fraud impacts financial security, especially for older Americans—and discussion of policy options for combating mortgage, auto sales and investment scams. Luncheon speaker SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro discussed the Commission’s priorities on financial fraud.

Getting it Right: Smart Housing and Transportation Planning for Livable Communities

This forum featured release of new research on preserving subsidized housing near transit and discussion of how to coordinate housing, transportation and land use policy to develop livable communities.

What Happened to My Social Security COLA?

Why no COLA is expected for 2010 and how this affects individuals and the states. Panelists include experts from the Social Security Administration, AARP, the National Governors Association and the Kaiser Family Foundation.

A New Look at Making Financial Decisions for Retirement

PPI released a series of new reports offering a fresh look at financial decisions related to retirement. Experts examined why many people make poor choices and explore how to improve the options available to retirees.

Fixing Chronic Care in America

National experts discussed problems facing millions of Americans with multiple chronic conditions, and explored potential solutions highlighted in a new PPI publication, Chronic Care: a Call to Action for Health Reform and in a new video Faces of Chronic Care.

AARP Public Policies

Learn about the policy development process at AARP. For a complete guide to AARP's positions on public issues, see The Policy Book, AARP Public Policies 2009-2010.

Center to Champion Nursing in America

The Center to Champion Nursing in America seeks to ensure Americans have the highly skilled nurses we need to provide affordable, quality health care. The Center serves as a consumer-driven, national force to increase the nation’s capacity to educate and retain nurses.