Did you know that every low-cost generic medicine started out as a patented brand medicine?
Intellectual property (IP) is the foundation of biopharmaceutical innovation that brings lifesaving treatments and vaccines to people around the world. But it does something else, too. America’s IP system was set up to support a robust market for lower cost generics and biosimilars to keep medicine costs for patients and the health care system in check.
That’s why today the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) launched a new education campaign to highlight the many benefits of America’s world-leading system of IP protections. This unique system promotes innovation, competition, and choice — and ultimately lower costs at the pharmacy counter.
There is broad bipartisan support for IP protections, but some policymakers and influencers seem to have forgotten about the full lifecycle of a medicine. There is a misguided focus in Congress and the administration on policies that would weaken IP rights in the name of lowering drug prices. But as the new campaign spotlights, the IP system is actually the vehicle for lower costs.
No company or individual has a monopoly on treating a condition. Medicines often face immediate competition from other brand medicines and eventually from generics and biosimilars. In fact, 90% of all medicines dispensed at the pharmacy counter are generics and biosimilars. Generics cost 80% less on average than name-brand alternatives, with an average copay of just $6.
America leads the world in medical innovation because our unique ecosystem strikes the right balance between promoting innovation and affordability. We urge policymakers to preserve strong IP protections and the long-term benefits this system provides to patients and society.
Get the facts about biopharmaceutical IP here as we continue sharing resources on the many ways Americans benefit from our world-leading innovation ecosystem, supported by IP.
Robert Zirkelbach
Robert Zirkelbach is an accomplished public affairs executive with more than 20 years of experience shaping the debate and influencing policy on behalf of highly regulated industries and corporations. As Chief Public Affairs Officer & Head of Strategic Initiatives at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), Zirkelbach leads public affairs, strategic initiatives and membership on behalf of America’s biopharmaceutical industry.
He oversees integrated public affairs campaigns that advance patient-first solutions, strengthen our health care system and preserve the role of the U.S. as the world leader in biopharmaceutical innovation. Since returning to PhRMA in 2023, he has elevated the industry’s voice in Washington, expanded PhRMA’s membership and spearheaded the organization’s five-year strategic plan.
Previously, Zirkelbach served as Global Head of Issues and Advocacy at ExxonMobil, where he led high-impact advocacy campaigns on issues central to the company’s mission, including climate change and plastic waste. During his tenure, he also oversaw a strategic risk function responsible for identifying and mitigating potential policy, geopolitical and reputation risks facing the company. Zirkelbach served as spokesman for America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) during the pivotal debate and implementation of the Affordable Care Act. He started his career on Capitol Hill as press secretary for Congressman Jim Nussle (R-IA).
Zirkelbach is a graduate of Central College. He lives with his wife and two children in Washington, DC.
Robby Zirklebach
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robzirk/
Chief Public Affairs Officer & Head of Strategic Initiatives
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PhRMA launches education campaign on the benefits of America's IP system
Intellectual Property
Patents
PhRMA launches education campaign on the benefits of America's IP system
PhRMA launches education campaign on the benefits of America's IP system