Wyden makes opening move in latest drug pricing game
The question for biopharma: should industry consider senator’s principles starting point for a deal or work to block reforms?
Releasing a set of principles for drug pricing reform, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) Tuesday made the opening move in what is certain to be a complex and lengthy legislative chess match. Wyden, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said the principles are bipartisan and are intended to be part of a consensus proposal, but he is clearly targeting the budget reconciliation process that requires few or no Republican votes.
The question for the biopharmaceutical industry is whether it should consider the principles the starting point for a bargain and work with Wyden and his counterparts in the House of Representatives to find a compromise that allows biopharmaceutical companies to continue to thrive, or if they should line up enough votes to block any drug pricing reforms. ...