Jan. 11, 2015 -- As a leading global provider of biosimilars, Hospira is pleased to have provided public comments in support of bringing biosimilar products to the market as a participant in the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) meeting -- in which the panel recommended FDA approval of the first biosimilar in the United States. Hospira commends the FDA on providing an open forum for public input and education -- critical success factors for the adoption of biosimilars. Having seen firsthand the positive impact of biosimilars in other countries, we are looking forward to future milestones in this new era of more affordable biologic medicines.

Hospira is the only U.S.-based company currently marketing biosimilars in the highly regulated markets of Europe and Australia, where we have seen biosimilars decrease the costs of biologics by 20 to 30 percent and increase patient access to biologic medicines.

Hospira is committed to bringing more affordable biologic medicines to patients. Biosimilar product development requires comprehensive bioanalytical characterization supported by comparative nonclinical and clinical data. We look forward to continuing our work with the FDA on the approval pathway for our own biosimilars, so that we may see the day where patients and healthcare providers have expanded access to the benefits of biosimilars.

About Hospira

Hospira, Inc. is the world's leading provider of injectable drugs and infusion technologies, and a global leader in biosimilars. Through its broad, integrated portfolio, Hospira is uniquely positioned to Advance Wellness™ by improving patient and caregiver safety while reducing healthcare costs. The company is headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill. www.hospira.com. .

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