New USMCA Deal Drops Exclusivity for Biologics

House Democrats and the White House agreed to a reworked trade agreement between the U.S., Mexico and Canada (USMCA) that removes provisions on exclusivity for biologics.

The trade deal, which still requires ratification in all three countries involved, tosses provisions that would require parties to allow at least 10  years of exclusivity for biologics.

The overhaul “declares open season on these innovators and sends a clear message that the U.S. government will stand idly by while foreign entities attack American intellectual property, American jobs and America’s global leadership in medical innovation,” the Biotechnology Innovation Organization claimed.

On the other hand, the Association for Accessible Medicines said the changes “support open markets, greater competition and improved cost savings for patients and the three health care systems.”