Archive for February 2019

I recently posted some thoughts on the dilemma drugmakers face in balancing their reporting obligations to FDA against their general business model of selling their product. I received feedback that reporting obligations are the least of the drugmakers’ woes.   I’ll stand my ground that drugmakers face a huge task in both policing the drug…

It’s clear the opioid crisis is real. It’s not as clear, though, what kind of obligation this crisis might trigger for anyone to report their own failings to government enforcers. Let’s take a look.   WE’RE DYING, WHO’S REPORTING? Let’s recall that the catch-phrase “opioid crisis” isn’t a single crisis, but a collection of different…

Ultimately, controlling drug pricing is a shell game. Fixing national drug spend promotes a stronger economy (GDP). Negotiating lower Medicare costs helps the Medicare Trust Fund (or the national debt). Lower OOP spares a patient’s pocketbook (and maybe helps re-elect incumbents). No proposal really helps with all three. In fact, many plans serve one goal…

I recently staked my claim that the Class of 2019 drug price reforms don’t include much new, effective, or even particularly pretty. It’s simple to throw stones at the proposals, but more challenging to build – and pass – alternatives that are helpful, feasible and affordable. The bizarre fact in this case is, alternatives have…