Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Perspectives: CEO's Promises On Pricing Could Be Turning Point For Pharma; Clinton's Drug Plan Surprise
Forbes: Finally, A Pharma CEO Takes The High Road On Drug Pricing
Almost a year ago, I argued that pharma needs to “heal thyself” on drug pricing – but I was skeptical the industry could end its addiction to price hikes far in excess of inflation, often taken several times in a single year. Today, Brent Saunders of Allergan laudably rose to the challenge. (Frank David, 9/6)
Forbes: Hillary's New (Generic) Drug Price Proposal: Better Than Expected
What better time for a presidential candidate to release a drug pricing plan, than with the EpiPen scandal in full swing? Adding to her previous proposal focusing on patient cost-sharing for drugs, Hillary Clinton has now announced several new ideas to address drug pricing (primarily) in the generic market. All in all, there are some decent ideas, despite some glaring flaws. (Yevgeniy Feyman, 9/5)
Forbes: A $14,000 Price Tag For A Cholesterol Drug Can Be A Bargain
Drug pricing has emerged as a major concern across the country and is even beginning to factor into the United States presidential race. Outlandish prices for lifesaving generic drugs such as Daraprim and the EpiPen have caused people to doubt the value of all medicines, both new and old. This view was further fueled recently by a study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association in which the authors created a simulation model (“The Cardiovascular Disease Policy Model”) to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of PCSK9 inhibitors in those eligible for treatment based on the approved FDA labels for these medications. These drugs, specifically Praluent and Repatha, are the first of a powerful class of new LDL-c lowering agents which can reduce one’s LDL-c to unprecedented levels. (John LaMattina, 9/6)
The Sacramento Bee: Drug Companies Pass The Buck On Price Spikes
Each time a drug company jacks up the price for an important or even life-saving treatment, there is public outcry. A flurry of news stories hit the papers, lawmakers and candidates denounce the practice and patients and parents object. Each time, the culprit responds by turning a blind eye to the public’s objections and pretending there is no problem. (Charles Bacchi, 9/6)
Vox: What 20 Years Of Drug Commercials Are Doing To Americans’ Health
The American Medical Association wants the FDA to ban prescription drug commercials, which have been ubiquitous on American television since the late 1990s. In this video, we take a look at both sides of the debate over direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising. (Joss Fong, 8/29)
