New Jersey brought to 18 the number of states allowing substitution of biosimilars for originator biologics, with Gov. Chris Christie giving his blessing to the provision Nov. 9.

Assembly Bill 2477, which authorized the substitution, passed unanimously in both the New Jersey Senate and Assembly earlier this year.

The Biotechnology Industry Organization says it hopes to see all 50 states pass biosimilar interchangeability legislation, and the group has seen progress. California enacted similar legislation last month, almost two years after Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a similar bill.

As of Nov. 9, 31 states have seen bills or resolutions filed related to biologics and/or biosimilars, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.