March 2, 2022
Governor Murphy’s Healthcare Affordability Legislative Package
  
The Assembly companion bills were formally introduced and referenced to the Assembly Financial and Insurance Committee (AFI) which is chaired by Assemblyman John McKeon. The fourth piece of legislation referenced in the February 14th press event is now proposed for introduction in the Assembly. A3159 (McKeon) would require the hiring of a vendor to manage a Medicaid Multi-State Pooling Supplemental Rebate Arrangement program and associated uniform Preferred Drug List. As previously shared, the first set of bills would cap out of pocket costs on insulin, EpiPens and asthma inhalers, address PBM actions and increase transparency across the supply chain. BioNJ stands ready to work with the administration and legislature to provide input to create policies that will have a positive impact on patient affordability and access to medicines.
 
Click here for Governor Murphy's press release.

Please find links to the four bills. 
NJ Commission Approves 2023 State Legislative Map

The New Jersey Apportionment Commission approved a compromise map in a 9-2 vote. Former State Senator Tom Kean Jr., and Democratic West New York Commissioner Cosmo Cirillo were the two “no” votes and believed the Commission should have taken more time to negotiate the final boundaries. The new district map may force a faceoff between Hudson County Democratic Sens. Nicholas Sacco and Brian Stack and between Senator Nia Gill and Senator Richard Codey in the 27th district. The map will be in place beginning with the 2023 elections and remain in effect until a new map is adopted ahead of the 2031 elections. 
Governor Murphy’s Budget Address Scheduled for March 8

Governor Murphy will deliver both his fiscal year 2023 budget address and budget proposal on March 8. Stay tuned for additional details on the location, logistics and budget.
Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA)

This year marks the sixth reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA). The user fee program was created to authorize the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to collect user fees from biopharmaceutical companies to supplement its funding and review and approve innovative products faster and more efficiently. Thanks to PDUFA, the United States is the world leader in the development of biomedical products.

New Jersey Congressional staff recently participated in a briefing to learn more about why it is critical for Congress to pass the PDUFAVII reauthorization proposal which was submitted to Congress on January 12, 2022.

Learn more about PDUFA here:
FTC Requests Public Comments on the Impact of
Pharmacy Benefit Managers’ Practices 

After failing to get enough votes to launch an investigation into Pharmacy Benefit Managers’ (PBMs) practices, the Federal Trade Commission announced it is soliciting public input through a Request for Information (RFI). While the investigation would have allowed the FTC to subpoena information, the RFI encourages public input on how the practices by large, vertically integrated PBMs are affecting drug affordability and access. Comments are due by April 25.
New Jersey Virtual Rare Disease Day is March 16

Join Patients, families, BioNJ Members and other rare disease advocates as we celebrate Rare Disease Day in New Jersey. BioNJ President and CEO, Debbie Hart, will join Julie Raskin, NORD State Ambassador, and many other advocates and innovators during this virtual morning event.

Click here to register for New Jersey Virtual Rare Disease Day.
We Need Your Help: Support BioNJ Policy and Advocacy Efforts

BioNJ is the voice of New Jersey’s life sciences sector in Trenton and Washington. BioNJ’s Public Policy Support Series sponsorship opportunities are still available for 2022. Help ensure BioNJ continues to deliver our message of improved Patient access and enhanced innovation through a Public Policy Support Series Sponsorship.  

More information is available here.
Thank You to Our Public Policy Sponsors
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