In Effort To Nudge Along Stalled ‘Right To Try’ Bill, Koch-Backed Group Pours Money Into New Ad Campaign
While the Senate and House have both passed versions of the legislation, for the measure to reach Trump’s desk, either chamber would have to take up and pass the bill that has already cleared the other. Critics say the measure is unnecessary as well as harmful to patients.
Stat:
Koch-Backed Group Launches National Ad Push To Advance 'Right To Try'
The Koch-backed group Americans for Prosperity is pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into a renewed push for federal “right-to-try” legislation that aims to give terminally ill patients a new way to access experimental therapies. The six-figure ad campaign will include both targeted digital ads and a new national television ad that pulls seemingly supportive sound bites from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) as well as longtime proponent Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and President Trump. The latter will air on both broadcast and cable channels. (Mershon, 4/26)
In other pharmaceutical news —
The Hill:
FDA Re-Examining Parkinson's Drug After Reports Of Deaths
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is re-examining the safety of a new drug after reports that it has potentially caused serious side effects and numerous deaths. The agency confirmed to The Hill it is “conducting an evaluation of available information” about Nuplazid, a drug approved in 2016 to treat delusions and hallucinations associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis. (Weixel, 4/25)
The CT Mirror:
Clock Ticking On A Bipartisan Scramble To Curb Drug Costs
With only two weeks left in the legislative session, a Democratic lawmaker and the state comptroller are feverishly working to bring to the House floor proposed legislation that is considered Connecticut’s most comprehensive effort so far to control high prescription drug costs. The bill aims to shine light on the murky supply chain and money flow in the prescription drug industry and to save residents money at the pharmacy counter by passing down to them some of the discounts that are negotiated with manufacturers. (Rigg, 4/25)
