Lies, deceit, and cartels!
Welcome to the week in review in prescription drug pricing!
1. The gift that keeps on taking
An investigation into patient assistance programs reveals the truth. They are a tool used by Big Pharma to drive up drug prices and keep cash flowing in. — (KARE11)
2. Former pharma exec makes jaw-dropping admission
Matt Eyles, the head of AHIP and former VP for Pfizer said, “I sat in many pricing committee discussions; not once did anyone ever say, ‘How much did we spend on research and development?’” We can’t even. — (Axios)
3. Murky money grab
Pharma sets drug prices super high. The middleman get really really rich. Patients get squeezed. Ohio reporters question our broken system. — (Columbus Dispatch)
4. Insulin cartel deserves a red card
The unjust and seemingly coordinated insulin price hikes have driven people on both sides of the aisle to demand answers. Congress must investigate the insulin drug cartel.— (The Hill)
5. Pharma pumps up stocks with corporate tax break cash
A new report by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) says billions in tax cuts have been used to fatten pharma shares, not lower prescription drug prices. Womp womp. — (Report)
Heads up:
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) sent a letter Friday calling for a federal investigation into “pay for delay” deals of biosimilar drugs. Bipartisan ❤️ for lower drug prices.
Have a great weekend, everyone!