Featured Stories
SWANA and National Recycling Coalition Announce Circularity Forum Co-Located at RCon 2026
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Sept. 11 -- The Solid Waste Association of North America issued the following news release:
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SWANA and National Recycling Coalition Announce Circularity Forum Co-Located at RCon(R) 2026
September 10, 2026 -- Silver Spring, MD
Full-day forum on September 28 in St. Louis will bring local, regional, and national leaders together to advance practical circularity solutions, EPR implementation, and cross-sector collaboration.
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The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) and the National Recycling Coalition (NRC) today announced that the Circularity Forum
... Show Full Article
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Sept. 11 -- The Solid Waste Association of North America issued the following news release:
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SWANA and National Recycling Coalition Announce Circularity Forum Co-Located at RCon(R) 2026
September 10, 2026 -- Silver Spring, MD
Full-day forum on September 28 in St. Louis will bring local, regional, and national leaders together to advance practical circularity solutions, EPR implementation, and cross-sector collaboration.
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The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) and the National Recycling Coalition (NRC) today announced that the Circularity Forumwill be co-located with RCon(R) 2026, powered by SWANA, on Monday, September 28, at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
The full-day forum, hosted by the National Recycling Coalition, in partnership with CircularSTL, Race to Zero Waste, MidAmerica Clean Future Alliance, and the Illinois Recycling Foundation, will convene circular economy stakeholders for an interactive day focused on regional action and national impact.
"Circularity is built through action, and communities are looking for practical ways to reduce waste, recover more materials, and strengthen local economies," said Carolyn F. Muller, Acting CEO of SWANA. "By co-locating the Circularity Forum with RCon, SWANA and NRC are creating an important opportunity for professionals across the system to connect national policy discussions with the real-world work happening in cities, counties, facilities, and organizations across North America."
The Circularity Forum is designed to create space for dialogue, facilitated breakouts, and practical examples that attendees can take home and put to work. Programming will explore local government action, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), recycling system challenges, recovery barriers, and the partnerships needed to strengthen circular economy systems across communities.
"The NRC is proud to be part of RCon and host a co-located Circularity Forum on Monday, September 28," shared Charles Kamenides, Executive Director of the National Recycling Coalition. "This collaboration brings together world class presentations from two of the nation's longest standing solid waste and recycling organizations who lead sustainable materials management and industry change."
Teresa Bradley, Co-Founder & Coalition Co-Chair of CircularSTL, shared the enthusiasm, stating, "CircularSTL is excited to showcase many circularity efforts taking place in the St. Louis region at the upcoming Forum."
Afternoon sessions of the Circularity Forum will be convened by the MidAmerica Clean Future Alliance.
"The Circularity Forum gives cities the tools, data, and accountability frameworks they need to cut costs, strengthen contracts, and finally get transparent performance from the systems they fund," shared MidAmerica Clean Future Alliance Executive Director, Jennifer Wendt. "When we align around smarter policies and real market realities, we can reduce plastic pollution in ways that are economically grounded, locally driven, and built to last."
RCon(R) 2026 will take place September 29-October 2, at America's Center in St. Louis, with the sold-out exhibit hall open September 29-October 1. The Circularity Forum is scheduled for September 28, immediately before the main RCon program, giving attendees the opportunity to participate in a dedicated day of circularity-focused discussion before joining the broader waste and resource management community for RCon. Circularity Forum attendees are eligible for a discount on their RCon registration.
Learn more and register at National Recycling Coalition Circularity Forum and at https://swana.org/events/rcon2026.
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About the National Recycling Coalition Circularity Forum
Hosted by the National Recycling Coalition (NRC) and in partnership with SWANA, CircularSTL, Race to Zero Waste, and MidAmerica Clean Future Alliance, and the Illinois Recycling Foundation, the NRC Circularity Forum 2026 will be co-located with SWANA's RCon(R). Local, regional, and national leaders will attend an interactive day focused on practical solutions, local government action, Extended Producer Responsibility, and the collaboration needed to move the circular economy forward. Learn more and register at nrcrecycles.org/circularity-forum.
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About SWANA
The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is a member-based association of professionals from across the waste and resource management industry. SWANA serves industry professionals through technical education, publications and research, and a large offering of technical training courses and credentialing to create a highly skilled workforce.
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URL: National Recycling Coalition
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Original text here: https://swana.org/news/swana-news-archive/article/2026/09/10/swana-nrc-circularity-forum-co-located-at-rcon-2026
[Category: Environment]
Older Adults Contribute to More Than Half of All U.S. Volunteer Hours, New AARP Foundation Research Finds
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 (TNSrpt) -- AARP issued the following news release:
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Older Adults Contribute to More Than Half of All U.S. Volunteer Hours, New AARP Foundation Research Finds
WASHINGTON- Adults age 50 and older are a driving force behind volunteerism in the United States, contributing to more than half (55%) of all volunteer hours, according to a new analysis from AARP Foundation.
The findings show that older adults do not just volunteer in large numbers, they also show up consistently and contribute more time, providing the kind of reliable support that schools, nonprofits, and caregiving
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 (TNSrpt) -- AARP issued the following news release:
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Older Adults Contribute to More Than Half of All U.S. Volunteer Hours, New AARP Foundation Research Finds
WASHINGTON- Adults age 50 and older are a driving force behind volunteerism in the United States, contributing to more than half (55%) of all volunteer hours, according to a new analysis from AARP Foundation.
The findings show that older adults do not just volunteer in large numbers, they also show up consistently and contribute more time, providing the kind of reliable support that schools, nonprofits, and caregivingnetworks are built on.
Their outsized contribution to volunteerism is driven by three factors:
* Older adults volunteer in greater numbers: While adults age 50-plus make up just 36% of the U.S. population, they account for 44% of the nation's volunteers.
* Older adults contribute more hours: Volunteers age 50-plus contribute an average of 89 volunteer hours annually, compared with 56 hours annually among volunteers under age 50 -- 33 additional hours each year.
* Older adults volunteer more consistently: Nearly three-quarters (73%) volunteer at least once per month, compared with 63% of younger volunteers.
"Older adults are an extraordinary force for good in our communities," said AARP Foundation President Claire Casey. "They put a lifetime of skills and experience to work for others, benefitting all of us by making our neighborhoods and communities stronger and more connected."
The findings show that volunteers do more than just volunteer, they power civic life in their neighborhoods and communities. Adults age 50-plus who volunteer are more likely than the overall 50-plus population to vote (79% versus 61%) and to belong to civic groups or associations (67% versus 29%). They are also more connected to their communities: 90% spend time with neighbors, compared with 77% overall, and 57% do favors for neighbors at least once a month, compared with 41% overall.
With a national network of more than 30,000 volunteers, AARP Foundation is the nation's premier organization supporting older adult volunteerism. Tomorrow, it will put that spirit of service into action as the nation marks the 25th anniversary of September 11. As a founding supporter of September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, staff from AARP Foundation and AARP will join hundreds of volunteers from across the Washington region at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to pack meals for the Capital Area Food Bank.
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About AARP Foundation
AARP Foundation is the nation's leading organization serving the 39 million older adults living in poverty or one life event away from slipping into it. Our mission is to strengthen financial resilience for and with older adults by empowering individuals and improving systems. We do this by creating pathways to quality employment, removing barriers to benefits, and promoting equitable access to essential goods and services. To learn more, visit aarpfoundation.org or follow @AARPFoundation on social media.
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REPORT: https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarpfoundation/thought-leadership/Older_Adult_Volunteers_A_Pillar_of_Community_and_Civic_Life_Sep_2026.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.aarp.org/press/releases/2026-09-10-older-adults-contribute-to-more-than-half-of-all-u-s-volunteer-hours-new-aarp-foundation-research-finds/
[Category: Sociological]
Nuclear Energy Institute: Nuclear's Place in the Climate Movement
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 -- The Nuclear Energy Institute issued the following news:
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Nuclear's Place in the Climate Movement
Lucas Johnson September 10, 2026
With Climate Week NYC approaching, now is a good time to evaluate where we are with our climate and how we can all help it. After much discussion, it turns out that having a livable earth is indeed important. That means, we need to figure out a way to keep it that way. If we want to keep enjoying the natural world and let the next generation do the same, we need to figure out how to decarbonize our electricity grid while also generating
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 -- The Nuclear Energy Institute issued the following news:
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Nuclear's Place in the Climate Movement
Lucas Johnson September 10, 2026
With Climate Week NYC approaching, now is a good time to evaluate where we are with our climate and how we can all help it. After much discussion, it turns out that having a livable earth is indeed important. That means, we need to figure out a way to keep it that way. If we want to keep enjoying the natural world and let the next generation do the same, we need to figure out how to decarbonize our electricity grid while also generatinga lot more electricity. Luckily, nuclear can help with that.
Thanks to a long history of myths and misinformation, a lot of folks wonder if nuclear is clean or not. Let me put that to rest: Yes, nuclear is clean and good for the environment. Our Clean Energy page lays out how nuclear hits many criteria that help the environment and lessen our environmental impact. A big part of that is that nuclear doesn't cause air pollution like some other energy sources do--it doesn't produce nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter (like smoke and dust), mercury, or carbon dioxide. These pollutants contribute to stroke, heart disease, neurological disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases, including asthma.
Thanks to nuclear, the total emissions avoided in 2025 in the United States was the equivalent of:
* 2.4 million railcars' worth of coal burned;
* 70% of the annual carbon emissions from the agriculture sector;
* or the annual transportation sector emissions for California, New York, and Texas combined.
By continuing to invest in our current fleet and by building new nuclear, we are doing a lot to protect the health of our communities. And nuclear is doing it without using much land: The current fleet generates about 17% of U.S. energy while only using 0.003% of land!
As our energy demands are increasing, we need this clean energy to fill the gap.
Vijay Vaitheeswaran, senior fellow and director of CFR's Energy and Climate Program, put it well when he said recently, "This is the brightest moment for nuclear power globally in a couple of decades. Energy for development and prosperity is extremely important... and we have a climate crisis as well as a challenge of local emissions. So nuclear, and more of it, would be a very good thing."
Considering a nuclear plant can operate 24/7 for at least 80 years, there's a lot of potential to clean the air and power the world. That's why we're happy to be at Climate Week again this year and meet countless other folks who care about the future of the planet.
If you want to see what we're up to, swing by the Heatmap House! We'll be talking about nuclear and so much more.
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Original text here: https://www.nei.org/news/nuclears-place-in-the-climate-movement
[Category: Energy]
NAR Issues Statement After FHFA Announces VantageScore 4.0 Now Accepted
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 -- The National Association of Realtors issued the following statement on Sept. 10, 2026:
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WASHINGTON - Today, Shannon McGahn, executive vice president and chief advocacy officer of the National Association of Realtors(R), issued the following statement after Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced they will accept loans with VantageScore from all lenders:
"The National Association of REALTORS(R) thanks Director Pulte, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac, for their diligent work to vet and adapt VantageScore 4.0 to their systems," said Shannon McGahn, executive vice president
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 -- The National Association of Realtors issued the following statement on Sept. 10, 2026:
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WASHINGTON - Today, Shannon McGahn, executive vice president and chief advocacy officer of the National Association of Realtors(R), issued the following statement after Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced they will accept loans with VantageScore from all lenders:
"The National Association of REALTORS(R) thanks Director Pulte, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac, for their diligent work to vet and adapt VantageScore 4.0 to their systems," said Shannon McGahn, executive vice presidentand chief advocacy officer of the National Association of REALTORS(R). "The implementation of VantageScore marks a major milestone for credit scoring, introducing competition among score providers and the use of alternative data such as telecom and utility bills as well as rent payments. This change is the first time a credit score using alternative data has been available to the broad housing finance system and represents years of testing and vetting by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the GSEs, industry, and academia. NAR has been a steadfast proponent of the use of alternative data and credit competition for years, and in time, this important change may lead to better access and affordability for some homebuyers."
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About the National Association of Realtors(R)
The National Association of Realtors(R) is involved in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate. The term Realtor(R) is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors(R) and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. For free consumer guides about navigating the homebuying and selling transaction processes - from written buyer agreements to negotiating compensation - visit facts.realtor.
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Original text here: https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/nar-issues-statement-after-fhfa-announces-vantagescore-4-0-now-accepted
[Category: Real Estate]
LEI for Spain Ticked Down in July
NEW YORK, Sept. 11 -- The Conference Board issued the following news release:
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LEI for Spain Ticked Down in July
Using the Composite Indexes: The Leading Economic Index (LEI) provides an early indication of significant turning points in the business cycle and where the economy is heading in the near term. The Coincident Economic Index (CEI) provides an indication of the current state of the economy. Additional details are below.
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index(r) (LEI) for Spain ticked down by 0.1% in July 2026 to 105.1 (2016=100), after increasing by 0.3% in June. Overall,
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Sept. 11 -- The Conference Board issued the following news release:
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LEI for Spain Ticked Down in July
Using the Composite Indexes: The Leading Economic Index (LEI) provides an early indication of significant turning points in the business cycle and where the economy is heading in the near term. The Coincident Economic Index (CEI) provides an indication of the current state of the economy. Additional details are below.
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index(r) (LEI) for Spain ticked down by 0.1% in July 2026 to 105.1 (2016=100), after increasing by 0.3% in June. Overall,the Spain LEI rose by 0.3% from January to July 2026, less than half the rate of the 0.8% increase observed over the previous six-months, between July 2025 and January 2026.
The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index(r) (CEI) for Spain ticked up by 0.1% in July 2026 to 119.9 (2016=100), after increasing by 0.3% in June. Over the six-month period between January and July 2026, the CEI grew by 1.2%, more than the 0.9% expansion over the previous six-month period.
The next release is scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2026, at 9:30 A.M. ET.
The LEI for Spain ticked down in July
Job placements, bond yields, and capital equipment component of industrial production contributed negatively to the LEI in July
The Spain LEI has continued to be positive on an annual basis, indicating continuation of the economic expansion in the near term
About The Conference Board Leading Economic Index(r) (LEI) and Coincident Economic Index(r) (CEI) for Spain
The composite economic indexes are key elements in an analytic system designed to signal peaks and troughs in the business cycle. Comprised of multiple independent indicators, the indexes are constructed to summarize and reveal common turning points in the economy in a clearer and more convincing manner than any individual component.
The CEI reflects current economic conditions and is highly correlated with real GDP. The LEI is a predictive tool that anticipates-or "leads"-turning points in the business cycle by around three months.
The six components of Leading Economic Index(r) for Spain are:
* Capital Equipment Component of Industrial Production
* Spanish Contribution to Euro M2
* Spanish Equity Price Index
* Long Term Government Bond Yield (inverted)
* Order Books Survey
* Job Placement
The five components of the Coincident Economic Index(r) for Spain are:
* Final Consumption Expenditure
* Industrial Production (2010=100)
* Real Imports (3 month moving average)
* Retail Sales Survey
* Employment
To access data, please visit: https://www.conference-board.org/data
About The Conference Board
The Conference Board is the Member-driven think tank that delivers Trusted Insights for What's Ahead(r)(r). Founded in 1916, we are a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. TCB.org l Learn about Membership
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Original text here: https://www.conference-board.org/topics/business-cycle-indicators/spain
Engineering Students Design, Fabricate, and Build Real Steel Bridges
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 11 -- The American Institute of Steel Construction issued the following news release:
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Engineering Students Design, Fabricate, and Build Real Steel Bridges
CHICAGO - Clear Creek in Golden, Colo., needs a new steel pedestrian bridge--and the hypothetical owners are turning to students at colleges and universities to make it happen!
That's the challenge the American Institute of Steel Construction and the American Society of Civil Engineers have set for the 2027 Student Steel Bridge Competition.
To solve it, the students must design a bridge, analyze and optimize
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 11 -- The American Institute of Steel Construction issued the following news release:
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Engineering Students Design, Fabricate, and Build Real Steel Bridges
CHICAGO - Clear Creek in Golden, Colo., needs a new steel pedestrian bridge--and the hypothetical owners are turning to students at colleges and universities to make it happen!
That's the challenge the American Institute of Steel Construction and the American Society of Civil Engineers have set for the 2027 Student Steel Bridge Competition.
To solve it, the students must design a bridge, analyze and optimizetheir design, then fabricate a 1:10 scale version in steel so it can be constructed and tested in real life.
They'll have to tackle the same challenges a real engineer would in this situation as they figure out how to provide clearance for kayaking and other river recreation, stay within limited construction zones, build without piers, and remotely stage materials and equipment--all while balancing strength, stability, aesthetics, construction time, and cost.
Teams of student engineers will face off in regional competitions across North America in the spring. Eligible teams will then meet at the Colorado School of Mines on June 4 and 5 to compete in the national finals!
"The Student Steel Bridge Competition is a flagship program for AISC and a genuine favorite among our team--especially those who competed themselves during college," said AISC Senior Director of Education Christina Harber, SE, PE. "Year after year, participants tell us that it was the absolute highlight of their degree, and so many move on to build careers as professional bridge engineers!"
The University of Florida currently holds the crown after taking the top prize at the 2026 National Finals--for the sixth year in a row.
Additional Media Resources
Regional competitions will take place throughout North America, and members of the media are welcome to attend. Press can expect to see:
* Students assembling 20-ft scale steel bridges in a competitive timed setting, adhering to strict safety rules and construction standards
* Real-life testing of those bridges with 2,500 lbs of steel angles
* Lots and lots of enthusiasm from the generation that will design, maintain, and build tomorrow's infrastructure!
The media is also welcome to attend the National Finals in June.
Please contact Dani Friedland for further information about attending a Student Steel Bridge Competition event.
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American Institute of Steel Construction
The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), a not-for-profit technical institute supported by the steel industry, partners with the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) community to develop safe and efficient steel specifications and codes while driving innovation to make steel the most sustainable, economic, and resilient structural material. For more than a century, AISC has been a reliable resource for information and advice on the design and construction of domestically fabricated structural steel buildings and bridges.
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Original text here: https://www.aisc.org/news/engineering-students-design-fabricate-and-build-real-steel-bridges/
[Category: Steel]
Association for Accessible Medicines: U.S. Generic & Biosimilar Medicines Save $496B in Just 1 Year
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 (TNSrep) -- The Association for Accessible Medicines issued the following news release on Sept. 10, 2026:
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U.S. Generic & Biosimilar Medicines Save $496B in Just 1 Year
89% of all prescriptions filled while only 12% of the spending, affordable medicines face severe sustainability challenges in the U.S.
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The Association for Accessible Medicines and the Biosimilars Council today released the 2026 U.S. Generic & Biosimilar Medicines Savings Report - Forward for America. AAM's annual savings report highlights that generic and biosimilar medicines created $496 billion
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 (TNSrep) -- The Association for Accessible Medicines issued the following news release on Sept. 10, 2026:
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U.S. Generic & Biosimilar Medicines Save $496B in Just 1 Year
89% of all prescriptions filled while only 12% of the spending, affordable medicines face severe sustainability challenges in the U.S.
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The Association for Accessible Medicines and the Biosimilars Council today released the 2026 U.S. Generic & Biosimilar Medicines Savings Report - Forward for America. AAM's annual savings report highlights that generic and biosimilar medicines created $496 billionin savings in 2025 for patients and the overall healthcare system. Generics and biosimilars have saved over $3.6 trillion in the last decade.
"In only ten years, the generics and biosimilars industry saved U.S. patients and taxpayers a combined $3.6 trillion and there's no denying our industry is one of the greatest success stories in healthcare," said John Murphy III, President and CEO of AAM. "But right now, the very forces that make generics and biosimilars so affordable are destabilizing the market. Without intervention, the U.S. is at risk for supply chain disruptions, drug shortages, or worse, U.S. market exit. To move generics forward for America, we must adopt a generics-and-biosimilars-first policy framework. Policymakers must streamline FDA processes, curb patent abuse, stop pharmacy benefit managers and Medicare policies from favoring higher-priced brands, and roll back harmful federal policies such as Inflation Reduction Act price controls that impede generic and biosimilar competition."
In 2025, generic and biosimilar medicines generics made up nearly 90 percent of all prescriptions filled in the U.S. but are only 12 percent of overall drug spending. Brand medicines were 485 million prescriptions filled at a cost of $804 billion. Generic prescriptions filled were 4 billion prescriptions filled at a cost of $106 billion.
"Biosimilar medicines have contributed to more than 3.8 billion days of safe, effective, and more affordable therapy for patients," said Alex Keeton, Executive Director, Biosimilars Council and Senior Vice President of Policy. "Despite recent wins in overall savings, streamlining, and interchangeability, the U.S. biosimilars industry continues to face challenges such as IRA price negotiation, dysfunctional pricing dynamics, PBM distortions, and more patent challenges than in other countries. Biosimilars represent one of the most powerful tools we have to expand access, strengthen healthcare resilience, and unlock meaningful savings. By building on recent regulatory progress and addressing persistent barriers to market access and adoption, we can unleash the next generation of biosimilars competition and deliver even greater value for patients."
Additional highlights from the 2026 U.S. Generic & Biosimilar Medicines Savings Report:
* Total Generic and Biosimilar Savings for 2025: $496 billion
* Total Generic and Biosimilar Savings for Past 10 years: more than $3.6 trillion
* Total Generic and Biosimilar Savings in Medicare for 2025: $166 billion, $3,011 per beneficiary
* Generics and biosimilars represent 89% of prescriptions filled, but only 12% of prescription drug spending
* Generics and biosimilars represent only 1.1% of all healthcare spending
* Biosimilars have generated $81.6 billion in savings since 2015, and have been used in almost 3.8 billion days of patient therapy with no unique clinical challenges
* Biosimilars have expanded patient access to care by nearly 571 million days of therapy
The 2026 U.S. Generic & Biosimilar Medicines Savings Report was developed in partnership with the IQVIA Institute, continuing over 15 years of collaboration to quantify the financial and therapeutic impacts of generic and biosimilar alternatives on America's patients and the U.S. healthcare system.
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2026 U.S. Generic & Biosimilar Medicines Savings Report
In partnership with the IQVIA Institute, the 2026 edition of AAM's annual U.S. Generics & Biosimilar Medicines Savings Report revealed $496 billion in healthcare system savings in 2025. This is nearly a $30 billion increase in savings compared with 2024; and it brings the ten-year total savings for the industry to $3.6 trillion dollars. Clearly this data shines light on an immense value-add, but the generic and biosimilar medicines industry is more than the backbone of affordable healthcare in America. Generic & biosimilar medicines are a key and driving force of a stable healthcare system, a strong economy and national security in the U.S.
"Generic and biosimilar medicines are an indispensable, unique economic engine capable of driving affordable healthcare into the future. But the market that sustains our industry is at risk. We must adopt a generics and biosimilars first policy framework that moves generic and biosimilar medicines forward, by eliminating the structural obstacles that impede healthy competition. With this we can bring more affordable prescription options to the American patients who rely on them to feel well and live well!," said John Murphy III, President and CEO of AAM
Key Facts
Patients and the U.S. Healthcare System Saved $496 Billion in 2025
Up by nearly $30 billion from 2024, this figure indicates continued savings for the U.S. healthcare system--including patients, employers, and taxpayers--and immense value-add potential for American communities.
89% of U.S. Prescriptions Filled,
11.6% of Rx Drug Spending
Generic & biosimilar medicines are a driving force for healthcare stability, economic resilience and national security. In the U.S. in 2025, generics comprised 89% of all prescriptions filled, but only 11.6% of the total spent on prescription drugs. Conversely, brand drugs supported America's patients less often, making up only 11% of prescriptions filled, while adding up to a staggering 88.4% of the total amount spent on prescription drugs. This means, in 2025, 4 billion generic prescriptions were filled, while only 485 million brand drug prescriptions were filled. And Americans spent only $106 billion on generic medicines, but a whopping $804 billion on brand-drugs.
$166 Billion Saved in Medicare, $3,011 Per Beneficiary
Generics and biosimilars continue to provide critical savings throughout the healthcare system and are particularly valuable to Medicare, employer-sponsored health insurance and the patients they serve. Despite these savings, many patients are forced to pay too much for their generic prescription.
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About AAM
The Association for Accessible Medicines, your generics and biosimilars industry, is driven by the belief that access to safe, quality, effective medicine has a tremendous impact on a person's life and the world around them. AAM represents the manufacturers of finished generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars, manufacturers of bulk pharmaceutical chemicals, and suppliers of other goods and services to the generic industry. Generic pharmaceuticals are 90 percent of prescriptions dispensed in the U.S. but only 12 percent of total drug spending.
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About the Biosimilars Council
The Biosimilars Council, a division of the Association for Accessible Medicines, works to ensure a positive environment for patient access to biosimilar medicines. The Biosimilars Council is the leading source for information about the safety and efficacy of more affordable alternatives to costly brand biologic medicines. Areas of focus include public and health expert education, government affairs, legal affairs, and regulatory policy. More information is available at www.biosimilarscouncil.org.
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Original text here: https://accessiblemeds.org/resources/press-releases/us-generic-biosimilar-medicines-save-496b-in-just-1-year/
[Category: Pharmaceuticals]