07.11.2024 / Statement

Families USA Applauds Passage of the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act that will Help Lower Drug Prices and Rein in Anti-Competitive Behavior

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yael Lehmann, interim executive director of Families USA, issued the following statement in response to the today’s Senate passage of portions of the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act, which will help lower drug prices by reining in anti-competitive use of patents to block generic and biosimilar competition from coming to market. 

“For far too long, big drug companies have made it nearly impossible for families to afford the medications they need to get and stay healthy. Today’s vote builds off the momentum of the Inflation Reduction Act and shows that this Senate is committed to tackling some of the root causes of the crisis of high prescription drug costs.  

“The passed reforms would specifically target ‘patent thicketing’ which drug companies use to extend their market exclusivity and block generic competition, a key factor in driving up drug prices.  

“The Senate’s unanimous vote underscores the bipartisan recognition of the urgent need to reform America’s prescription drug market. We must continue to build on this progress by passing additional bipartisan reforms that address patent abuses such as pay-for-delay and product hopping. These reforms along with additional bipartisan efforts to improve price transparency and end corporate abuses in health care are essential to ensure that all families have access to affordable, life-saving care.” 

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Families USA, a leading national voice for health care consumers, is dedicated to the achievement of high quality, affordable health care and improved health for all.