Sanders, Democratic co-sponsors to reintroduce drug pricing bills

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Democratic co-sponsors plan to reintroduce legislation for Congress’ new term aimed at reducing drug prices through reference pricing, drug importation and Medicare Part D drug negotiation.

The first bill, the Prescription Drug Price Relief Act, seeks to waive or void patents and market exclusivities for branded drugs if U.S. prices exceed an international index. The approach is similar to a more limited Trump administration proposal for an international pricing index for Medicare Part B reimbursement (see "Sanders, Khanna Propose Compulsory Licensing to Reduce U.S. Drug Prices")...