Article Summary –
The interim executive director of AIDS Delaware, Christopher Moore, advocates for the EPIC Act, which aims to rectify pharmaceutical disparities created by the Inflation Reduction Act. The current framework put a significant disadvantage for small molecule drugs, deterring pharmaceutical companies from developing new drugs due to cost issues and affecting organizations seeking to advocate for patients living with HIV and other diseases. The EPIC Act seeks to correct this by extending the small molecule exemption to 13 years, aligning with the exemption period for biologics, thus safeguarding the health of vulnerable patients.
AIDS Delaware Leader Urges Lawmakers to Support the EPIC Act
Christopher Moore, Interim Executive Director of AIDS Delaware, is advocating for the Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures Act (EPIC Act), aiming to break down the barriers for patients needing essential medications. The Act aims to rectify the imbalances created by the current Inflation Reduction Act’s pill penalty, ensuring equitable access to necessary medications for all patients.
The EPIC Act seeks to address disparities in the present framework. Under the existing policy, small molecule drugs face a noticeable disadvantage against biologics. Small molecule drugs’ eligibility for the Medicare drug price negotiation program starts seven years post FDA approval, with price controls implemented at year nine. Alternatively, biologics have an 11-year eligibility window, with price controls starting at year 13.
Although these regulations were intended to manage costs, the current model has resulted in an overwhelming imbalance in the pharmaceutical sector, impacting patients globally. Studies indicate that crucial treatments for rare diseases and cancer have been halted due to the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act. For AIDS Delaware, the concern is that new advanced drugs and therapies may not be prioritized due to this disparity.
Research from the University of Chicago indicates the potential repercussions of this discrepancy. A policy brief suggests the current price control disparity could result in 188 fewer small molecule medicines coming to market, leading to the loss of 116 million life-years. These numbers represent real patients denied access to potentially lifesaving treatments due to these regulations.
The EPIC Act aims to correct this disparity by extending the small molecule exemption to 13 years, aligning it with the biologics exemption period. This legislation promotes fairness and equity in health care, protecting the health and well-being of vulnerable patient populations.
The urgency of this issue cannot be ignored. The EPIC Act is a crucial next step towards ensuring every individual has access to the medications needed for a healthy life. Moore urges lawmakers to prioritize the passage of this necessary legislation, standing in favor of fairness and compassion for all patients reliant on lifesaving drugs across America.
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