Bundestag passes bill easing AMNOG comparator rules

Germany's lower house of Parliament (Bundestag) on Friday voted 277-144, with 54 abstentions, to pass a bill containing an amendment to guidelines implementing drug pricing law AMNOG. The amendment would eliminate the requirement for Germany's Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) to conduct benefit assessments of new therapies vs. the lowest-cost alternative. The vote came a day later than expected after Thursday's vote on the bill was blocked by a member of an opposition party. The bill is expected to go to Germany's upper house (Bundesrat) on July 5. If the Bundesrat does not object, it will pass into law. If the Bundesrat objects, the bill will be sent to arbitration (see BioCentury Extra, June 6). ...