Forward movement on drug pricing bill, enactment uncertain

Chairs of the Republican-controlled Senate Health Committee and the Democratic-controlled House Energy & Commerce Committee have agreed to support the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019 (S. 1895), giving the bill added momentum amid a packed agenda in Congress.

The bill seeks to squeeze PBM profits out of the drug supply chain, eliminate tactics branded drug manufacturers use to block generic and biosimilar competition, and smooth the path to market for biosimilars. While these provisions will be supported by most innovative biopharmaceutical companies, it also includes provisions the drug industry has fought, including some that shine a harsh spotlight on drug price increases. ...