By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave a comment 0comments Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/pharma-executives-say-they-support-ban-on-some-anti-competitive-practices Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Pharma executives say they support ban on some anti-competitive practices Health Feb 26, 2019 1:44 PM EST WASHINGTON — Seven top pharmaceutical executives are telling lawmakers they do not withhold their drugs from potential competitors to stop them from developing cheaper versions. Generic drugmakers can only develop lower-cost versions of brand-name medicines if they obtain samples of the original drugs. Some drugmakers have blocked competition for their medications by preventing would-be competitors from obtaining samples of the drugs. But the executives from Pfizer, Merck, Sanofi and four other companies said Tuesday at a congressional hearing on drug prices that they do not use the tactic. Several executives also say they support a bill in Congress that would ban the practice. Members of the Senate Finance Committee say they plan to overhaul industry practices to lower drug prices for U.S. patients. By — Associated Press Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Seven top pharmaceutical executives are telling lawmakers they do not withhold their drugs from potential competitors to stop them from developing cheaper versions. Generic drugmakers can only develop lower-cost versions of brand-name medicines if they obtain samples of the original drugs. Some drugmakers have blocked competition for their medications by preventing would-be competitors from obtaining samples of the drugs. But the executives from Pfizer, Merck, Sanofi and four other companies said Tuesday at a congressional hearing on drug prices that they do not use the tactic. Several executives also say they support a bill in Congress that would ban the practice. Members of the Senate Finance Committee say they plan to overhaul industry practices to lower drug prices for U.S. patients.