The Biden administration on Thursday asserted its authority to seize the patents of certain costly medications in a new push to slash high drug prices and promote more pharmaceutical competition.

The administration unveiled a framework outlining the factors federal agencies should consider in deciding whether to use a controversial policy, known as march-in rights, to break the patents of drugs that were developed with federal funds but are not widely accessible to the public. For the first time, officials can now factor in a medication’s price — a change that could have big implications for drugmakers depending on how the government uses the powers.

“When drug companies won’t sell taxpayer-funded drugs at reasonable prices, we will be prepared to allow other companies to provide those drugs for less,” White House National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard said during a call with reporters Wednesday.

  • Godnroc@lemmy.world
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    11 months ago

    There would be a good governmental oversight: drug companies may no longer advertise their products to the public. I don’t think anyone has ever seen a drug commercial in a positive light; if the drug was effective and worked well you wouldn’t need to advertise it.

    • TheMightyCanuck@sh.itjust.works
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      11 months ago

      Moved from US to Canada and its honestly so nice not seeing or hearing ads for zoflam or whatever CONSTANTLY. You don’t realize how much it’s shoved in your face until it isn’t anymore

      • Zink@programming.dev
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        11 months ago

        I’m in the US and generally don’t watch live TV with commercials, but when I do, good god the pharmaceutical commercials!

        • TheMightyCanuck@sh.itjust.works
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          11 months ago

          I only usually watch TV for sports games… that being said, the new enemy is gambling commercials.

          Good fucking God they’re predatory