Mylan has announced that Mylan CEO Heather Bresch has been elected to serve as chair of the Generic Pharmaceutical Association's (GPhA) board of directors. GPhA is an association that represents the world's leading generic drug manufacturers and suppliers and plays a critical role in tackling key issues affecting the generics industry and shaping policies that help ensure patients have access to high quality, affordable medicines.
Bresch said: "In the decade since serving my last term as chair of GPhA, the generics industry has evolved significantly within an increasingly globalized market. Never has there been a greater need for our association to lead the way in shaping policy that expands access to high quality generic medicines and biosimilars, which is why I've committed to return to the role of chair and work with our industry's leaders to influence positive change to our healthcare system.
"The value that the generic drug industry brings to the U.S. healthcare system is indisputable. Today, generic drugs fill 88% of the prescriptions dispensed in the U.S., but consume only 28% of the total drug spending. Yet, the harsh reality is that some of the numerous challenges we currently face could limit patient access to generic medicine and debilitate our generics industry which serves as a critical solution to the nation's healthcare challenge.
"In today's political climate, no matter how strong each of us may be at an individual company level, it's important for us to stand strongly together with a unified voice for the good of our shared mission of advancing access to more affordable medicine.
"I would like to recognize GPhA's outgoing board officers Craig Wheeler, Doug Boothe and the dedicated staff at GPhA for the critical role they have played to date in continuing to advance our industry's efforts to improve healthcare in the U.S. I am energized by the vision and experience GPhA President and CEO Chip Davis is bringing to further the association's role in Washington and beyond, and I look forward to working with the team and our industry's executives in continuing these efforts."
Bresch's term as chair of GPhA will last for one year. Previously, she served two one-year terms as the chair of the association in 2004 and 2005 and two one-year terms as vice chair in 2003 and 2006.