Markets Wired

The Federal Trade Commission is hosting a workshop on competition issues surrounding biologics and follow-on biologic medicines on Feb. 4, 2014, in Washington, DC, and invites live webcast viewers to submit questions to moderators online. Staff will live-tweet the workshop, and take questions via Twitter, Facebook, and email.

Biologic medicines comprise the fastest-growing sector of pharmaceuticals and target such difficult-to-treat diseases as cancer, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Follow-on biologics include both biosimilars and interchangeable biologic products.

FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez will provide opening remarks at the workshop. Presenters and panelists will touch on a variety of biosimilars topics including drug regulation, FDA review process, industry and consumer views, laws, and more. A complete agenda for the workshop is now available.

The live webcast will begin at 8:30 a.m. ET. Viewers can submit questions throughout the day via the following channels:

Twitter: Commission staff will tweet workshop highlights from its @FTC account and use the hashtag: #FTCfob.

Facebook: Post questions to the biosimilars comment thread on the FTC’s Facebook page.

Email: Submit questions via email to opa@ftc.gov.  

FTC staff members will do their best to answer as many questions as possible from the audience and online during the workshop.

The FTC’s Bureau of Competition works with the Bureau of Economics to investigate alleged anticompetitive business practices and, when appropriate, recommends that the Commission take law enforcement action. To inform the Bureau about particular business practices, call 202-326-3300, send an e-mail, or write to the Office of Policy and Coordination, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission, 601 New Jersey Ave., Room 7117, Washington, DC 20001. To learn more about the Bureau of Competition, read Competition Counts. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.