State board would be shield against Big Pharma

I recently read that Illinois legislators are taking on a huge opponent this session -- Big Pharma. It’s about time.

It's unconscionable that Big Pharma can jack up drug prices in the U.S. without any checks and balances. Unlike in other countries where governments can negotiate prices with drug makers, it's a free-for-all here. They can hike prices, without any regard to the struggle it causes for everyday folks who need access to medicine to survive.

Often, I hear the argument, “What about research and development costs? Wouldn’t regulating Big Pharma mean they spend less money on finding new miracle cures?”

But, here's how they currently spend their money.

According to The Healthcare Cost Institute, Big Pharma spends more than twice as much on advertising, profits, and corporate overhead than on research and development. In 2022, they spent a jaw-dropping $8.1 billion on direct-to-consumer advertising (which is prohibited in every other country except the U.S. and New Zealand). Many expensive brand-name medications are sold for just a fraction of the cost across the Canadian border.

There are already plenty of miracle cures for life-threatening conditions on the market, but what good are they if people can’t afford them?

That’s why I support the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) being considered by Illinois lawmakers. It would be a shield against Big Pharma's unchecked greed. With the PDAB, we can finally put the brakes on drug costs and make sure life-saving prescription drugs are within everyone's reach.

Judy Janes

Palatine