On September 9, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a report titled, “Comprehensive Plan for Addressing High Drug Prices: A Report in Response to the Executive Order on Competition in the American Economy.” The report comes following President Biden’s July 2021 Executive Order 14036, “Promoting Competition in the American Economy” (the Competition Executive Order), which directed the HHS to publish a report presenting principles of prescription drug pricing reform.
The report identifies three guiding principles for the Agency’s drug pricing plan: 1) making drug prices more affordable and equitable for all consumers and throughout the health-care system; 2) improving and promoting competition throughout the prescription drug industry; and 3) fostering scientific innovation to promote better health care and improve health. The report also outlines specific legislative proposals Congress could enact to lower prescription drug costs that the Biden Administration supports and outlines Administrative action on prescription drug pricing reforms.
ASCO remains concerned about the escalating price of drugs, particularly cancer drug treatments. ASCO remains hopeful that the Administration will pursue responsible, comprehensive drug pricing reform that can achieve the dual goals of lowering prices and guaranteeing patients have access to the therapies they need.
© 2021. American Society of Clinical Oncology. All rights reserved.
