A Solution in Search of a Problem: The Biologic Patent Transparency Act

On March 8th, a canonical "bipartisan of Senators" (a phrase used to signal bills that must be in the public interest because these Senators put aside business as usual to reach across the aisle) introduced S.659, entitled "The Biologic Patent Transparency Act."  These Senators (Collins, R-ME; Kaine, D-VA; Portman, R-OH; Shaheen, D-NH; Braun, R-IN; and Stabenow, D-MI) are purportedly motivated by a desire to reduce prescription drug prices (according to their websites) and have focused on differences between the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA) and the Hatch Waxman Act that, in their view, reduces "transparency" to the public's detriment.