STAT

Opinion: For cancer patients, Trump’s drug pricing proposal falls short

President Trump's plans to rein in the cost of drugs needs to go further to help people with cancer.

President Trump’s long-awaited plan to reduce the costs of prescription drugs calls for a comprehensive set of reforms, including redesigning the patent system to prevent drug monopolies, uncloaking the role of pharmacy benefit managers, and charging foreign governments more for brand name drugs. He also proposed bringing more negotiation tactics into Medicare Part D and Part B, which cover most cancer therapies.

In the abstract, these approaches seem to make sense. But as oncologists, we see how they play out in the clinic and how needs to go further to help people with cancer.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from STAT

STAT1 min read
USDA Faulted For Disclosing Scant Information About Outbreaks Of H5N1 Avian Flu In Cattle
With 28 herds in eight states infected with H5N1 bird flu, scientists are calling on the U.S. to release more data to help them assess the risk.
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About Lilly’s Zepbound For Sleep Apnea, The FDA Budget, And More
Eli Lilly reported positive results for Zepbound in obstructive sleep apnea, giving the medication a new edge in the highly competitive obesity market.
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About A J&J Cough Syrup, A Pfizer And Moderna Patent Suit, And More
A Johnson & Johnson children’s cough syrup found to contain unsafe levels of a toxic industrial solvent was sold in six African countries.

Related Books & Audiobooks