Cooling Down Drug Prices

Prescription drug prices are heating up despite a cooling economy. Biotech companies are creating cutting-edge drugs made from living cells.  Called “biologics,” these new drugs come to market at explosive prices.  The battle has begun on Capitol Hill to lower the prices of these life-saving medicines by allowing companies to manufacture “generic” versions.

We talk to members of Congress and pharmaceutical experts about cooling down drug prices.

The Need for Generics

Biologics are extraordinarily expensive.  Diane Dorman of the National Organization for Rare Disorders joins Sheilah and Dr. Williams to discuss the need for generic biologics or “bio-similar” drugs.

President Obama Addresses “Biologics”

He tackles the issue in an April 27, 2009 speech at the National Academy of Sciences.

Innovation

Rep. Gene Green of Texas joins us to talk about a bill that would provide a pathway for bringing “bio-similar” drugs to market after a period of market exclusivity for the brand-name versions.

Access

Rep. Frank Pallone of New Jersey joins Sheilah from Capitol Hill to discuss a bill he is co-sponsoring that would bring “bio-similar” drugs to market.

Resources

• AARP Health has a series of articles and resources on healthy living, exercise & wellness, and Medicare & drug benefits.

• This 2007 Fact Sheet from AARP’s Public Policy Institute gives some background details on the high cost of biologic drugs.

• Read issues of AARP Watchdog Report, the publication that monitors the pricing, legislative and public policies of the world’s pharmaceutical manufacturers.

The Host

Through most of her distinguished reporting career, Sheilah Kast has focused on the economy and workplace and how they affect people's lives. Well known to viewers of public television, ABC News, and CNN, she has covered the White House and Congress.

Kast also reported on the Washington aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks. Her stories included an investigation of anthrax in the mails and the struggles of bereaved Pentagon families to secure benefits.

At The Washington Star, in her first reporting job, Kast covered financial regulation, taxes, and energy. Her expertise in these important issues eventually led her to start a national public-television show, "This Week in Business," which she hosted in association with Business Week magazine.

Ms. Kast is a skilled interviewer. She has often hosted NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday and has her own current-affairs interview show on public radio in Maryland.

Contact Us

Inside E Street - AARP
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E-mail: estreet@aarp.org