US Senators Seek to Improve Drug Access

Pharmaceutical companies sometimes actively contribute to drug shortages rather than help solve them, US Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said in an article posted on KTVO.com.

“Pharmaceutical companies that develop a drug and have a patent will go to long lengths to keep generic off the market for a longer period of time,” Senator Grassley said in the report.

The news station, which covers the Kirksville, Missouri, and Ottumwa, Iowa, region, referenced nationwide shortages of medications used to treat cancer, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and diabetes. Increased demand, quality issues, and manufacturing delays also contribute to drug shortages.

Between 2021 and 2022, new shortages of drugs grew by 30%, according to the news station. By the end of 2022, there were 295 active drug shortages. On average, shortages last about 18 months, although some have continued for more than a decade.

Bills by Senator Grassley and US Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) that seek to improve access to prescription drugs have advanced through the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Preserving Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act and the Stop STALLING Act passed the committee by voice vote in February 2023.

“Our bipartisan legislation deters practices such as pay-for-delay and sham petitions that undermine competition and limit Americans’ access to affordable and life-saving drugs,” Senator Klobuchar said in a news release. “Now that these bills have advanced through the Senate Judiciary Committee, I’ll keep working to get them passed through the Senate.”

The Preserving Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act would target “pay-for-delay” deals that prevent or delay the introduction of affordable versions of branded pharmaceuticals, the release explained.

The Stop STALLING Act would deter drug companies from filing sham petitions with the US Food and Drug Administration to interfere with the approval of generic and biosimilar medications that compete with their own brand products.

References

Gunn M. US senators continue to look for answers to slow country’s prescription drug shortage. KTVO. January 2, 2024. Accessed January 12, 2024. https://ktvo.com/news/local/us-senators-continue-to-look-for-answers-to-slow-countrys-prescription-drug-shortage

Gunn M. Sen. Grassley discusses country's prescription drug shortage. Iowa News. Accessed January 12, 2024. https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/sen-grassley-discusses-uss-prescription-drug-shortage

Klobuchar, Grassley bipartisan bills to reduce drug prices by promoting competition pass Senate judiciary committee. News release. US Senator Amy Klobuchar; February 9, 2023. Accessed January 12, 2024. https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/2/klobuchar-grassley-bipartisan-bills-to-reduce-drug-prices-by-promoting-competition-pass-senate-judiciary-committee