AAM Names John A. Murphy as CEO

John A. Murphy
CEO
AAM

The Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM) board of directors named John A. Murphy as the association’s new president and chief executive officer starting in October.¹ Murphy recently served as the chief policy officer at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization. Before that, he worked as an assistant general counsel at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

In a press release, the chair of the AAM board of directors Keren Haruvi said, ““John’s decades-long experience in policy, advocacy, and communications on drugs and biologics makes him the right person to lead our industry’s efforts to advocate for policies to increase patient access to lower-cost generic and biosimilar medicines.”

Haruvi, who is also the president of Sandoz North America, also said, “We are confident that John will lead the association’s talented team to support our work with Congress and the Administration to ensure that the generic and biosimilar industries remain sustainable and patient access to affordable medicine is prioritized. I, along with the entire board, would like to thank David Gaugh for his leadership guiding AAM during our search for a CEO.”

In the same press release, Murphy explained, ““The generic and biosimilars industry provides over 90% of prescribed medicines, is the backbone of access for many patients, and the key component to addressing health care costs in the US,” said Murphy. “But this critical industry is at risk and is taken for granted by policymakers and the healthcare system in general. I look forward to helping amplify the voice and reach of this industry in Washington as we work hard to ensure affordable medicines remain the critical connector of healthcare and patient health in the US.”

The AAM has been active in recent months trying to impact legislation. Earlier in September, the association issued a statement urging congress to swiftly pass two pieces of legislation: The Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act and the Medication Affordability and Patent Integrity Act.²

In a press release, the AAM’s interim president and CEO David Gaugh said, “Forty years ago today, the Hatch-Waxman Act ushered in trillions in savings for patients through generic medicines. AAM commends the Senate HELP Committee for continuing work to bring generic medicines and biosimilars to patients. These two bills will help ensure generic and biosimilar savings for the next 40 years.”

Also in September, the AAM released its annual report on the savings provided by generics and biosimilars.³ According to the report, these medications saved $445 billion in 2023.

In a press release, Gaugh said, “On the eve of the 40th anniversary of the Hatch-Waxman Act, we stand at a critical crossroads. With manufacturing facilities located in nearly half of U.S. states, today’s generic and biosimilar manufacturers form an integral and essential part of the healthcare system. But we cannot afford to take our generic and biosimilar industries for granted.”

In the same press release, Craig Burton, executive director of the Biosimilars Council, added, “Even as the generic drug market exhibits increasing fragility, biosimilar medicines continue to demonstrate their promise of lower costs and greater access for patients but are nevertheless struggling to fulfill their potential in the face of brand rebate and patent schemes. Strong and swift legislative and regulatory action to encourage biosimilar competition is vital.”

Source

1. John Murphy Named President and CEO of AAM. AAM. September 25, 2024. https://accessiblemeds.org/resources/press-releases/john-murphy-named-president-and-ceo-aam
2. AAM Urges Congress to Pass Key Bills Considered by the Senate HELP Committee this Week. AAM. September 24, 2024. https://accessiblemeds.org/resouces/press-releases/aam-urges-congress-pass-senate-help-bills
3. Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Save $445 Billion in 2023. AAM. September 5, 2024. Accessed September 26, 2024. https://accessiblemeds.org/resources/press-releases/generic-and-biosimilar-medicines-save-445-billion