Welcome to the Week in Review.

Amgen Follows Pfizer — What That Means For Patients

Nearly two weeks after President Trump’s TrumpRx announcement, Amgen unveiled its own direct-to-consumer (DTC) program, announcing a discounted price for its cholesterol drug, Repatha, at $239 per month, which the company says is “nearly 60% lower than the current U.S. list price.” This is the latest move as drug manufacturers race to align with the administration’s pressure campaign. But while framed as progress, these piecemeal discounts underscore the limits of voluntary action: $239 a month remains impossible for many patients, and Repatha is only one of the dozens of drugs Amgen sells at high prices. Real affordability will require systemic reforms – not temporary, corporate-driven programs that leave patients dependent on goodwill. — [White House, Amgen, STAT News, POLITICO, Endpoints News, Reuters]

Big Pharma’s Legal Campaign Continues

Pharma’s courtroom losing streak continued this week, marking the industry’s 15th defeat. On Monday, the U.S. Court of Appeals For The Third Circuit unanimously rejected Novo Nordisk’s challenge to the Medicare Negotiation Program, dismissing claims that the law violates the First and Fifth amendments. The next day, the Fifth Circuit heard oral arguments in PhRMA’s lawsuit, where the government’s lawyer faced sharp questioning from one judge who appeared sympathetic to PhRMA’s position. The panel’s other two judges were more measured, one even noting the absence of any amicus briefs supporting PhRMA, compared to several backing the government. The court may wait for related filings in the upcoming Supreme Court case before ruling, but the trend remains clear: Pharma continues to challenge Medicare’s authority to negotiate, and patients’ advocates continue to defend it. — [P4AD, U.S. Court of Appeals, U.S. Court of Appeals]

Colorado Becomes First State to Cap the Price of a Prescription Drug

Colorado patients and advocates scored a major victory this week as the state’s Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board (PDAB) set the nation’s first price cap on a prescription drug, limiting the cost of Enbrel to $600 per weekly dose. This milestone was years in the making — and it happened because patients spoke up. P4AD patient advocates in Colorado supported the effort, sending letters and sharing their stories to illustrate the need for reform. Enbrel, approved more than 25 years ago, has seen its price rise by more than 1,500% and is protected by at least 57 separate patents that block generic competition. As expected, manufacturer Amgen and the broader industry are threatening lawsuits and reviving familiar claims about “innovation.” But with $3.2 billion in annual sales, Amgen has long recouped its investment — this fight is about protecting profits, not progress. — [Denver 7, Washington Post, Colorado Sun]

P4AD Defends Patients’ Voices at GW Law’s IRA Conference

Executive Director Merith Basey joined GW Law’s Inflation Reduction Act conference for a panel focused on the law’s most pressing questions, threats, and challenges around drug pricing. In a room dominated by industry representatives and economists, Merith made sure patients’ voices were heard – pushing back when affordability was dismissed and reminding the audience that these policies aren’t theoretical, but affect real people. While much of the discussion rehashed the same tired industry arguments about innovation and investment, Merith cut through the noise – emphasizing that it’s about balance and patients need both. As she noted, our founder, David Mitchell’s story (who lives with a rare blood cancer) shows that innovation is essential, but it means nothing if patients can’t afford it. — [GWU]

In Case You Missed It

Senators Grassley (R-IA) and Hassan (D-NH) reintroduced the bipartisan Open Payments Expansion Act, which would reveal the financial ties between drug companies and the tax-exempt patient advocacy groups they fund. As P4AD’s Hidden Hand reports have shown, these front groups often claim to represent patients while defending drug industry interests. The bill would bring long-overdue transparency to those relationships — ensuring lawmakers and the public can see who’s really behind campaigns that seek to undermine drug pricing reform.  — [Sen. Grassley, P4AD]

Patient Advocate Spotlight: Janet Kerrigan
Background: Retired critical care nurse living in Myrtle Beach, SC

Condition: Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer

Drug: Revlimid ($800 per daily capsule, or $24,000 in monthly copays)

In her words: “I relied on grants to help cover these astronomical expenses, and the uncertainty of their availability meant living in a constant state of worry, wondering if the drugs that were keeping me alive would be covered… No one should have to face bankruptcy or fear losing access to life-saving medications.”

This week, Janet spoke with the New York Post about her struggles with high drug prices and President Trump’s recent DTC announcements. You can read the full article here.

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