AARP Applauds Senate Bill That Will Lower Costs Of Life-Saving Medicines

Main Category: Seniors / Aging
Also Included In: Public Health;  Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 30 Mar 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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AARP today applauded the Senate introduction of bipartisan legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs. The Promoting Innovation and Access to Life-Saving Medicine Act, introduced by Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY), Susan Collins (R-ME), Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and David Vitter (R-LA), will create a needed pathway for the approval of safe generic versions of costly biologic drugs. A statement from AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond follows:

"The crushing cost of biologic drugs is leaving far too many Americans without access to life-saving treatments for devastating illnesses like multiple sclerosis and cancer.

"AARP is proud to endorse the bipartisan Promoting Innovation and Access to Life-Saving Medicine Act, which will help bring safe, less expensive generic versions of these medicines to market. Biologic drugs, which can cost as much as $300,000 per year, do not face competition from lower-cost generic versions. The bill introduced by Senators Schumer, Collins, Brown and Vitter will permit generic competition and make biologics more accessible to the millions of Americans who cannot afford brand name versions.

"In the 25 years since the Hatch-Waxman Act, generic competition has proven it can bring down prices without hindering the development of new, life-saving medicines. Now we must bring that same competition to biologics so more patients can afford the newest, breakthrough drugs.

"The country will not reach the goal of quality, affordable health care for every American without controlling the skyrocketing cost of drugs. We look forward to working with the sponsors and their colleagues in the Senate and House to pass this legislation this year as a part of comprehensive health reform."

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 34.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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AARP

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