Pharmaceutical industry on verge of major Hill victory

[t0dd]

Source: The Hill

The pharmaceutical industry is on the verge of a major victory as the lame-duck congressional session winds down.

An effort to severely restrict pharmaceutical industry deals from delaying the entry to the market of low-cost generic drugs appears likely to die in the lame-duck. That could kill the legislation for some time because a Republican House is seen as unlikely to support the measure.

The Senate appropriations bill includes language that would put new limits on generic drugmakers’ ability to accept payment to settle patent disputes with brand-name drug companies. The provision, which is backed by senior senators in both parties and the Federal Trade Commission, is intended to speed delivery to the market of cheaper, generic drug.

But the Senate appears likely to instead consider a continuing resolution to fund the government through Sept. 30. That resolution, approved by the House this week, does not include the pharmaceutical language.

Other legislative opportunities to pass the limits on drugmakers seem narrow. The bill squeaked by the Senate Appropriations Committee in July by a 15-15 vote, even though it had bipartisan co-sponsors, Sens. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).

Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/healthwatch/prescription-drug-policy/133279-pharmaceutical-industry-on-verge-of-major-congressional-victory

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Passing this would trim the deficit and save consumers tons of money, but it would also hurt the profit flow and monopolistic behavior of our precious drug makers; consequently, expect Republicans and a majority of Democrats to quietly sweep this under the rug.

[msongs]

1. yes but their welfare hand out mandates were ruled as unconstitutional recently

[PSPS]

2. So the system of laundering part of pharma profits to GOP campaign coffers (bribes) is safe.

[xchrom]

3. Recommend -

[ixion]

4. Serving their true masters...

as usual...

[No Elephants]

5. Thanks heaps.