Warren calls for more transparency on Biden drug pricing ‘march-in’ review
Share this @internewscast.com



A group of lawmakers led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) is pressing the Biden administration for updates on its review of the government’s authority to seize the patents of high-priced drugs developed with public funds.

In a letter to the Departments of Health and Human Services and Commerce, shared first with The Hill, the lawmakers called for more transparency about a working group that has been tasked with reviewing the administration’s “march-in rights.” 

March-in rights are an authority granted under a 1980 law that allow the government to take control of a private company’s patent and license the product to other manufacturers if it is not made available to the public on reasonable terms. 

In the letter sent Friday, Sens. Warren, Angus King (I-Maine) and Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) said they were “concerned that there have been no public updates about the Working Group’s membership, process, timeline, or scope of work in the more than two months since it was first announced.”

The Biden administration in March rejected a formal request from advocacy groups to use march-in rights to break the patent of the prostate cancer drug Xtandi as a way to lower the price. 

At the same time though, the administration announced a plan to review its march-in authority with an interagency working group, and to develop criteria, “including price,” for using the rights.

The lawmakers asked the agencies for answers to questions about how the group will operate, including how agency leadership will ensure the process remains independent from “corporate interests.” 

They also pressed for a list of patents that have benefited from government resources.

The Inflation Reduction Act gives Medicare the ability for the first time to negotiate the prices of some drugs, but progressives like Warren want the administration to go further to lower drug prices, including by breaking patents. 

Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

'I'm a dentist – these are four things you should never do before brushing your teeth'

While brushing your teeth doesn’t exactly seem like rocket science, there are…

How Much Protein You Need To Eat for Weight Loss

You’ve likely heard that protein is the go-to nutrient for weight loss.…

McDonald’s Just Brought Back Its Popular Spicy Chicken Nuggets

The last couple of weeks have been packed with exciting announcements for…

Melbourne's Conversion Digital offers to pay for workers' Ozempic prescriptions

Melbourne’s Conversion Digital offers to pay for workers’ Ozempic prescriptions By Ashley…

Biden announces $600m for more free Covid-19 tests in anticipation of surge

The Biden administration announced on Wednesday it is providing $600m in funding…

CDC data shows obesity prevalence more common in a growing number of states

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the prevalence…

The #1 Unhealthiest Sandwich at 12 Major BBQ Chains

When you go out for a meal, you might opt for fried…

Whether or Not We Need to Remove Hair From the Body

Have you ever wondered why we even have hair on our bodies?…

Amino Sulfonic Acid: Can Taurine Slow Down Ageing Processes?

Unless you have a fictional fantasy of Adaline, from 2015 sci-fi drama…

This 2-For-1 Workout Strips Away Belly Fat & Arm Fat

If you’re looking to melt stubborn belly fat while building visibly sleek…

Four little-known red flag signs of Alzheimer’s to look out for

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in the UK,…

Nearly HALF of parents have given their children under 13 melatonin to help them sleep – despite risk

Nearly half of parents in the US have given the sleep supplement…