Coalition of 44 groups calls for passage of drug pricing bill

A coalition of 44 groups is calling on Congress to pass a measure aimed at fighting high drug prices that has gained support from across the political spectrum.

The letter is signed by groups that are often directly opposed to each other, such as the conservative group FreedomWorks and the liberal group Families USA.

The bill, called the Creates Act, has bipartisan co-sponsors and is designed to increase competition and bring prices down by preventing branded drug companies from using delay tactics to prevent generic competitors from getting onto the market.

It is a rare anti-drug pricing measure that has some momentum in Congress, and it could be included as a way to help pay for a coming budget deal.

{mosads}“It is undisputed that the key driver of affordability in prescription drugs is competition from generics once the market exclusivity has expired on a brand-name medication,” the letter states. “Unfortunately, manufacturers of brand name drugs often go to great lengths to stave off competition from generics in order to keep prices high.”

It calls for action to “end the shenanigans” from branded drug companies and for Congress to pass the Creates Act “without delay.”

The bill is sponsored by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who is joined by a diverse group of co-sponsors such as Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).

Major health-care groups also signed the letter on Tuesday, including the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing, the American Hospital Association and America’s Health Insurance Plans.