Durbin files bill to reduce cost of drugs

Posted on February 1, 2019

*U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) has introduced a bill to penalize drug companies for price-gouging. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Dick Durbin)*

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – If you have to choose between groceries and prescription drugs, you might forgo the drugs, with your doctor none the wiser.

“This is an embarrassing predicament for these families,” Springfield pediatrician Dr. Virginia Dolan said at a news conference at which U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) announced he’s filed a bill to try to rein in costs.

“My flat-prices act would reduce this FDA-granted exclusivity period for a drug whose price increases more than ten percent a year,” Durbin said. “Take Pfizer’s drug for nerve pain, Lyrica; we’ve all seen the ads. Since President Trump took office, the price of Lyrica has gone up more than 30 percent. It now costs $550 a month.”

The penalty would open the door to competition sooner, so other companies can sell the drug.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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