Pharma leaders hope next FDA head calms waters
Summary
Pharmaceutical leaders want the next FDA commissioner to bring stability and clear rules to help drug companies as they create new medicines. They are also concerned about a proposed drug pricing policy called "most favored nation," which ties U.S. drug prices to lower prices in other countries and may lead to less access to treatments.Key Facts
- The current FDA commissioner, Marty Makary, resigned, causing uncertainty at the agency.
- Pharma trade group CEO Steve Ubl said the next FDA leader should provide stability and predictability.
- Developing a new drug typically takes 10 to 15 years and costs billions of dollars.
- Bristol Myers Squibb CEO Chris Boerner emphasized the need for consistent FDA rules due to long drug development timelines.
- Pharma leaders dislike the "most favored nation" pricing policy proposed by President Trump because it may reduce access to medicines.
- The "most favored nation" policy links U.S. drug prices to the lowest prices paid in other developed countries.
- Congress is unlikely to pass the policy due to Republican worries about free market impacts, but the industry remains cautious.
- David Marin from a pharmacy benefit manager group urged Congress to focus on problems with drug patents that keep prices high.
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