ANN ARBOR ? Stephen Rapundalo, executive director of MichBio, the state’s life sciences industry association, said Thursday that his organization opposes efforts in Michigan to repeal of tort and product liability legislation because it could jeopardize access to new prescription drugs developed by MichBio members, like Pfizer.
Rapundalo joined patients, health care providers, manufacturers, pharmaceutical and biotech companies from across the state in Lansing at the House committee on Tort Reform to voice concerns that a repeal of the Michigan tort and product liability reforms could open the floodgates to lawsuits against Michigan manufacturers.
?On behalf of the over 200 life science companies who are members of MichBio we oppose the repeal of tort reform, as it would be a devastating setback at a time when Michigan is boldly growing its life science industry,? Rapundalo said. ?Any impediments placed in front of the life science companies will raise R&D costs and develop a business climate that will make us less competitive vs. other states. Ultimately, this will negatively impact the life sciences industry, something the state can ill afford as it tries to diversity its currently struggling economy.?
Manufacturers, healthcare and business groups, say the legislation is being pushed by the Michigan trial lawyers in an effort to allow more lawsuits in the state of Michigan, making it easier to sue companies for innovation of new products and medicines. Since the passage of the FDA defense and tort reform laws in the 1990?s frivolous lawsuits have been greatly reduced, encouraging medical research and business growth in Michigan and ensuring continued patient access to health care providers across the state.
MichBio, along with many of the state?s business and trade associations, support the efforts of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce who say that the bill will harm not only pharmaceutical manufacturers and those who depend on continued development of life saving medicines. It will also negatively impact other manufacturing industries in the state that will be under threat of increased lawsuits if these measures to prevent lawsuit abuse are repealed.
As Michigan works to become a key player in the life sciences industry, we are in need of Lansing?s bipartisan commitment to back the state?s manufacturers, pharmaceutical and biotech companies by repealing the tort and product liability reforms.
For more information, click on MichBio.Org
