House Passes Key Drug Pricing Legislation

ASHP applauds the passage of legislation to reduce the cost of generic drugs by the House of Representatives.

The legislation prohibits brand manufacturers from taking steps to keep generic products from the marketplace, including barring pay for delay tactics, allowing generic manufacturers access to samples of branded products, and removing regulatory barriers to the launch of multiple versions of a generic product.

“The drug pricing provisions included in H.R. 987 take important steps to promote competition and ensure that generic drugs reach patients sooner,” said Tom Kraus, Vice President, ASHP Government Relations. “ASHP will continue to advocate for solutions that give patients affordable access to lifesaving and sustaining medications.”

ASHP recently submitted a formal statement to the Health Subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce calling for policy approaches to stimulate competition for generic products with few manufacturers.