Patients For Affordable Drugs Now Founder Sets The Record Straight On Key Incentives For Innovation In Historic Drug Price Law Ahead of Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing
David Mitchell, founder of Patients For Affordable Drug Now and a patient with a rare incurable cancer, urged Congress not to bend to drug industry scare tactics and fear-mongering and not to weaken provisions to lower prices in the Inflation Reduction Act. He made his remarks in an expansive 21-page statement submitted to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, ahead of tomorrow’s hearing focused on legislative proposals related to rare diseases.
Mitchell’s statement sets the record straight regarding the Inflation Reduction Act’s impact on small-molecule drugs. He refutes with real-world evidence, claims from the pharmaceutical industry that investments in small molecules would lag following the passage of the law and underscores the importance of safeguarding orphan drug incentives while preventing pharmaceutical industry abuse.
Drawing from his own experience as a rare disease patient, Mitchell highlights how the Inflation Reduction Act effectively addresses both innovation and affordability concerns. “I care deeply about innovation and new drug development. My life depends on it. Without innovation, I will die sooner than I hope to. That is just an unfortunate fact,” he wrote. “The Inflation Reduction Act restores balance to move us in the direction of fair prices and profits while still getting the innovation we need.”
David’s statement also highlights the stories of two patients, Sue from Wilmington, Delaware, and Cheryl from Louisville, Kentucky. Sue is living with a form of blood cancer and takes Imbruvica, which costs $18,000 a month. After insurance, she pays the first $8,000 in 2-month copays and then $1,000 a month thereafter. At 76 years old, Sue is working full-time to afford this medication, but because of the Inflation Reduction Act, she will save between $12,000-$14,000 this year with the out-of-pocket cap phasing in at the catastrophic level. Cheryl requires inhalers, like Trelegy, but because of the price, she often goes without until she has a bad episode. The $350 to $800 price tag per month presents a significant financial burden for Cheryl, who emphasized the absurdity of such costs for essential medication needed to breathe every day. Their experiences shed light on the urgent need for lower drug prices to ensure access to vital treatments for all patients.
Key highlights from the statement underscore the law’s profound impact on innovation and affordability:
You can find the full written statement HERE. David will also be available for interviews and to comment on tomorrow’s hearing. To schedule please reach out to Emma Sands at [email protected]
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The Ads Tell Constituents That After Vowing “To Stand Up To Drug Companies,” Don Davis Is “the Lone Democrat Willing To Weaken Medicare’s Power To Negotiate Drug Prices”
Washington, D.C. – Patients For Affordable Drugs Now (P4ADNow) today began running a series of TV ads to inform constituents in Congressman Don Davis’ district (D-NC1) that he has reneged on his campaign promise regarding prescription drug pricing. Congressman Davis pledged he would “stand up to drug companies.” Instead, Davis has become the only Democrat in the House of Representatives to sponsor legislation that would undermine Medicare’s ability to negotiate lower drug prices, a wildly popular provision in the Inflation Reduction Act that is supported by more than 80 percent of voters and would lower drug prices for millions of people on Medicare.
His betrayal of his promise to patients comes after he accepted tens of thousands of dollars from drug companies including Gilead, Astellas, Genentech, Bayer, Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, GSK, Bristol Myers Squibb, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Merck, AbbVie, and Eli Lilly.
“Voters overwhelmingly support Medicare negotiation to lower prescription drug prices,” said David Mitchell, a cancer patient and founder of Patients For Affordable Drugs Now. “The voters in Congressman Davis’s district need to know that he reneged on his campaign promise to stand up to drug companies and is sponsoring legislation that, if enacted, would weaken Medicare’s ability to negotiate and lead to higher prices for roughly 90 percent of the drugs Americans need.
P4ADNow has heard from dozens of patients within Congressman Davis’s district who are struggling under the weight of high drug prices. One constituent revealed the heartbreaking reality of having to forego essential medications despite being insured, simply due to financial strain. Another shared the daily struggle of managing a chronic disease while grappling with the prohibitive cost of medications, often relying on the goodwill of friends for assistance. Additionally, a third constituent’s plea for affordable access to life-saving heart medications for her husband underscores the urgent need for Congressman Davis to honor his campaign promises and prioritize the well-being of his constituents over corporate interests.
These personal stories serve as an important reminder of the human toll of high drug prices and the critical importance of Medicare negotiation to alleviate the burden for millions of Americans.
The ads–which can be viewed here and here–will be broadcast across local television and digital platforms starting February 13th.
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CMS Takes On Big Pharma And Makes First Offers To Manufacturers Of The First Ten Drugs Selected For Drug Price Negotiation To Lower Prices For Prescription Drugs
Patients For Affordable Drugs Now, applauds the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as it takes the huge next step towards negotiating fair prices for essential medications. Today, CMS sent out its initial fair pricing offers to pharmaceutical manufacturers for the first 10 drugs selected for Medicare negotiations.
The 10 drugs chosen were identified as the top spending drugs covered under Medicare Part D without generic or biosimilar equivalents that have been on the market for at least seven years and also meet other selection criteria. These essential medications include cancer treatments, blood thinners, autoimmune disease treatments, and some diabetes drugs. Between June 2022 and May 2023, 8.3 million Medicare Part D enrollees used one or more of these medications. With 84 percent of voters backing Medicare negotiations, it’s clear CMS is doing work that is urgently demanded by the American public.
Merith Basey, Executive Director of Patients For Affordable Drugs Now, released the following statement:
“Patients For Affordable Drugs Now stands firmly in support of Medicare negotiation and efforts to curb the unjustified costs of prescription medications. We hear from patients everyday who are grappling with the crushing weight of exorbitant drug prices, forced to make impossible decisions between their health and financial well-being. We’ve listened to stories of people rationing insulin or other life-sustaining medications just to make ends meet. By advancing this process of direct negotiation with drug companies, CMS is helping ensure that fewer people will have to make these tough choices. Drugs don’t work if people can’t afford them, and today marks a historic milestone in the fight to lower drug prices for everyone.”
Background in Medicare negotiations:
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On Friday, the Food and Drug Administration cleared the way for Florida to become the first state in the country to import prescription drugs from Canada. The following statement was issued by Merith Basey, executive director of Patients For Affordable Drugs Now in response to the decision:
“The FDA’s approval today of Florida’s plan to import cheaper prescription drugs is yet another reflection of the fact that drug prices in the U.S. are simply too high and Americans need relief. Unfortunately, state-by-state importation from Canada is not a workable solution for all of us who need lower prices. Canada can’t supply all our drug needs and the pharmaceutical industry won’t ship Canada enough drugs to turn around and send them to the U.S. The Canadian government is not going to send drugs to the U.S. if it creates shortages in Canada. We need workable federal solutions that will lower prices for everyone in the U.S. like expanded Medicare negotiation and reforms to stop drug company abuse of our patent system that blocks competition and keeps prices high for all of us. The Inflation Reduction Act was a historic start but there is more work to do. There are bipartisan bills in Congress right now that would move us forward and enjoy overwhelming public support.”
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Patients Thank Senator Schumer For Leading Historic Reforms To Lower Drug Prices And Push For Bills To Curb Anti-Competitive Practices And Boost Generic Competition
NEW YORK — Over 100 patients from New York who depend on essential, high-priced medications sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer thanking him for his work to lower drug prices and urging him to continue his efforts to make medicines more affordable by including legislation that would curb patent abuse and increase competition in a January health care package.
The letter to Senator Schumer endorses a package of bipartisan bills, which, having received committee approval, address the anti-competitive tactics employed by drug companies to delay the entry of generic competition necessary to reduce drug prices. These legislative reforms are anticipated to substantially decrease prices and out-of-pocket expenses for millions of patients and result in significant savings for taxpayers.
“We stand in support of the bipartisan bills aimed at curbing these anti-competitive practices,” the letter reads. “We know that you and Senators on both sides of the aisle have been working to advance these measures. It’s critical that we take action now to improve competition and address the loopholes exploited by Big Pharma. Doing so will lead to lower out-of-pocket costs for millions of people and substantial savings for taxpayers.’
The bills included are:
“As your constituents in New York, we are committed to supporting your efforts to make progress on these critical bills,” the letter continues. “We laud your dedication to this cause and we are eager to see you build on the work you’ve already achieved to ensure these bipartisan bills are enacted to further lower prescription drug prices for patients nationwide.”
Read the full letter and list of signers here and below.
——–
Senator Chuck Schumer
Majority Leader
322 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Schumer,
As patients from New York who rely on expensive medications to treat our illnesses or conditions we are particularly impacted by the high price of prescription drugs. We are writing to express our gratitude for your tireless efforts in championing vital prescription drug reforms to make medications more accessible and affordable for all.
The Inflation Reduction Act was instrumental in securing historic reforms such as drug price negotiation under Medicare, an out-of-pocket cap in Medicare Part D, and inflation-based rebates for drugs in Medicare Part B and D. These initiatives will significantly alleviate the burden of high prescription drug costs for many of us in our community and millions across the country. The actions you’ve taken are positively impacting the lives of seniors, people with disabilities, and many others relying on Medicare for essential medications.
Despite all that progress, we recognize that you are well aware that more work is needed to ensure continued progress to combat exorbitant prescription drug prices. As you know, Big Pharma uses anti-competitive practices, like patent thickets, product hopping, and pay-for-delay arrangements, to hinder the entry of generic and biosimilar medications into the market, obstructing market competition that would reduce drug prices for patients across the country.
We stand in support of the bipartisan bills aimed at curbing these anti-competitive practices. We know that you and Senators on both sides of the aisle have been working to advance these measures. It’s critical that we take action now to improve competition and address the loopholes exploited by Big Pharma. Doing so will lead to lower out-of-pocket costs for millions of people and substantial savings for taxpayers.
As your constituents in New York, we are committed to supporting your efforts to make progress on these critical bills. We laud your dedication to this cause and we are eager to see you build on the work you’ve already achieved to ensure these bipartisan bills are enacted to further lower prescription drug prices for patients nationwide.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to lower drug prices for all Americans. We stand with you and eagerly anticipate this package of crucial bills being brought to the floor so we can enhance competition for prescription drugs and reduce costs for patients.
Sincerely,
[Patient Signatures]
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Vote Sets Stage For Negotiation On Bipartisan Bills Promoting Competition Making Their Way Through The Senate
The following statement was issued by Merith Basey, executive director of Patients For Affordable Drugs Now, after the House of Representatives passed the “Lower Costs, More Transparency Act”:
“The House’s decisive bipartisan action tonight in passing the “Lower Costs, More Transparency Act” including measures to increase transparency and further tackle high drug prices by improving the generic drug approval process, is highly encouraging and moves the Congress in the right direction. This development boosts the momentum for the Senate leadership to move forward with a comprehensive health care package, encompassing bills aimed at lowering drug prices by addressing patent abuses and other anti-competitive tactics employed by drug companies to delay generic and biosimilar competition. This action helps to pave the way for a bipartisan end of year package that can lower prescription drug prices for everyone.”
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Organizations Representing Patients, Consumers, Seniors, Students, Churches, And Disease Advocacy Groups Push For Package Of Bills That Strengthens Market Forces To Lower Prices For All Americans
Patients For Affordable Drugs Now and AARP, along with 60 other organizations sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell urging them to pass bipartisan legislation to reform our patent and regulatory systems to curb unwarranted monopolies and promote competition to lower prescription drug prices for all Americans.
“There is a real opportunity in the Senate to advance a package of bipartisan bills that will increase competition and market forces to lower drug prices,” said Merith Basey, executive director of Patients For Affordable Drugs Now. “Senators on both sides of the aisle have put in far too much work on these bills over several years to let this opportunity be lost. The moment is at hand to enact reforms that voters overwhelmingly support and which will help patients of all ages regardless of whether they get their health care in the private or public sector.”
The letter to Senators Schumer and McConnell, and copied to every member of the Senate, supports a package of six bills — all bipartisan and all relying on competition and market forces to lower drug prices that complement reforms enacted last year under the Inflation Reduction Act.
“For too long, big drug companies have gamed the system to prevent less expensive generic and biosimilar drugs from entering the market. America’s seniors deserve better,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer. “Now is the time for Congress to pass bipartisan common-sense legislation that will give consumers real choices and lower their drug prices.”
“Critically, almost four out of five voters support such reforms including 75 percent of Republicans, 73 percent of Independents, and 86 percent of Democrats,” the letter reads. “The bills will save taxpayers $2-3 billion over 10 years and lead to lower out-of-pocket costs for millions of Americans.”
Patients like Sue Lee, 81, of Crestwood, Kentucky will be helped by these bills. Sue lives with chronic plaque psoriasis and was forced to endure painful sores because she couldn’t afford the high monthly cost of Humira — which was protected by 165 patents — and had to stop taking the drug.
Read the full letter and list of signers here and below.
_____________________________________________________________
[November 1, 2023]
Dear Senators,
Bipartisan bills to strengthen competition and market forces to lower prescription drug prices have cleared every key Senate committee on strong bipartisan votes, and the undersigned groups that represent patients and advocates urge that they be enacted into law.
Critically, almost four out of five voters support such reforms including 75 percent of Republicans, 73 percent of Independents, and 86 percent of Democrats. The bills will save taxpayers $2-3 billion over 10 years and lead to lower out-of-pocket costs for millions of Americans. We ask you to advance the following bills now:
S. 142 to curb pay-for-delay deals in which brand name drug makers pay would-be generic and biosimilar competitors to keep them from bringing their products to market.
S. 150 to crack down on patent thickets and product-hopping, which are used to build a patent wall around existing brand name drugs and block lower-priced competition.
S. 148 and S. 1067 to stop drug company abuse of citizen petitions before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which drug companies use to delay generic and biosimilar market entry.
S. 775 to improve the ability of the FDA to disclose information generic companies need for speedy approval.
S. 79 to establish a task force between the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and FDA in order to improve each agency’s patent-related activities.
The bipartisan bills now before the Senate would curb anti-competitive practices and ensure the will of Congress for generic and biosimilar competition and market forces to lower prices as intended to lower prices under the Hatch-Waxman framework. Recent academic studies have repeatedly shown the need for these reforms:
The bills will help people like Sue Lee, 81, of Crestwood, Kentucky who is living with plaque psoriasis and who was forced to endure painful sores because she couldn’t afford the $8,000 a month cost of Humira – which was protected by 165 patents – and had to forgo the drug.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates these bills will collectively save taxpayers between $2-3 billion dollars. They will result in lower out-of-pocket costs for patients and millions of people regardless of insurance status.
With only 26 work days left in this calendar year, we urge the Senate to come together now and address these critical issues to improve the health and financial well-being of people all across the country. Thank you.
Cc: Members of the United States Senate
Signed:
AARP
ACA Consumer Advocacy
Alliance for Retired Americans
American Family Voices
Beta Cell Action
Beta Cell Foundation
Blue Shield of California
Business Leaders for Health Care Transformation
Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy
Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing
Center for Health and Democracy
Center for Medicare Advocacy
Citizen Action/Illinois
Consumer Action
Dana Investment Advisors
Doctors for America
Families USA
Foundation for Integrative AIDS Research
Generation Patient
Health Care Voices
Health GAP
Housing Works, Inc
Initiative for Medicines, Access & Knowledge
Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility
Just Care USA
Labor Campaign for Single Payer
Long Island Center for Independent Living, Inc
Lower Drug Prices Now
Medicare Rights Center
Metro New York Health Care for All
MomsRising
National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
New York State Council of Churches
New York StateWide Senior Action Council, Inc
Northwest Coalition for Responsible Investment
Patients For Affordable Drugs Now
Pennsylvania Health Access Network
Physicians for a National Health Program – NY Metro Chapter
Prescription Justice
Protect Our Care
Public Citizen
Public Interest Patent Law Institute
Rise Up WV
Salud y Fármacos
Seventh Generation Interfaith
Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth
Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia
Social Security Works
Socially Responsible Investment Coalition
SPACEs In Action
T1International, USA
TAG-Texans Against Gerrymandering
Tennessee Health Care Campaign, Inc
Tulipshare
Two Faces of MS
U.S. PIRG
Unity Fellowship of Christ Church – NYC
Universities Allied for Essential Medicines
VOCAL-NY
West Virginia Citizen Action Group
West Virginians for Affordable Health Care
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The following statement was issued by Merith Basey, executive director of Patients For Affordable Drugs Now, following the announcement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that all of the drug companies making the 10 drugs selected for the first round of negotiations have agreed to enter negotiations with Medicare:
“On behalf of patients across the country, we are very pleased to see all of the drug companies manufacturing the ten selected drugs have agreed to enter negotiations with Medicare. This marks an important milestone in our movement – for the first time ever, Medicare will now officially be in the process of negotiating lower prices for essential and costly medications taken by millions of people in this country including cancer treatments, blood thinners, autoimmune disease treatments, and some diabetes drugs.
“People in the United States overwhelmingly support this law, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure the Inflation Reduction Act is implemented in the best interest of patients, despite opposition from drug companies.
“These first 10 drugs are just the beginning – we will continue pushing on all fronts to lower drug prices for everyone.”
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Background: