House committee asks drug firms to justify pricing policy

Article Abstract:

The House Commerce Committee has demanded an explanation from at least sevven drug companies for the prices of certain products that are covered by Medicaid and Medicare. The committee's chairman Tom Bliley has aired his doubt over the manipulation of prices by some drug manufacturers to overcharge government health programs and Medicare patients. The seven firms that received Bliley's letters were Aventis Behring, Warrick Pharmaceuticals, SmithKline Beecham, Dey Laboratories, Baxter and Glaxo Wellcome.

Unit costs & prices

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Sales pitch: drug firms use perks to push pills

Article Abstract:

The drugs most responsible for the almost 19% increase in spending on pharmaceuticals in 2000, the four top sellers were also among the top 10 drugs most heavily marketed by doctors, according to study published on May 8, 2001. However, the drug industry's association explained that the $14 billion spent yearly on marketing campaigns mainly intends to inform doctors and consumers of the risks and benefits of new and current drugs. According to Jeff Trewhitt of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of america, the sales representatives will provide detailed information about drugs.

Marketing procedures

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Drugmakers fight back as patents near expiration

Article Abstract:

Brand-name drug manufacturers are intensifying their fight for patents to put more pressure on generic drug makers. As more patents near expiration, companies such as Schering-Plough, Astra Merck, and Eli Lilly are approaching the Congress to enact laws that would extend and expand their patents. Brand-name firms assert their right in protecting the time and money that they and their investors put in for the research and development of their drugs.

Patents & copyrights

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