Highlighting Patient Success Story, Dr. Joyce Warns Against Dangers of Price Controls
Washington, DC ? Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) today warned against innovation-killing drug price controls and emphasized the importance of continued progress in novel treatments and cures.
During the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing "Negotiating a Better Deal: Legislation to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs," Dr. Joyce highlighted the story of Charlie, a patient who he diagnosed with cancer ten years ago. Without access to Opdivo a drug that is often unavailable in foreign countries due to price controls Charlie's diagnosis likely would have been fatal. Thanks to this lifesaving drug, Charlie has fully recovered and today is living without any restrictions.
"Lowering prescription drug prices is a bipartisan priority, but we must not sabotage innovation," said Dr. Joyce. "As a physician, I have witnessed amazing medical advancements in the course of my career. Several of my patients, including Charlie, owe their lives to innovative treatments. Preventing lifesaving cures from reaching American patients is simply inhumane, and we must continue to promote American ingenuity and innovation."
During the hearing, Dr. Joyce asked the witnesses to explain the life-altering ramifications of drug controls that limit patients' timely access to cutting-edge cancer treatments.
"The frustration among doctors in foreign countries should serve as a warning to us American physicians and our patients about what exactly we are in for if we go down the path of H.R. 3. These price controls hang like an albatross around the necks of these physicians. Why on earth would we want to import those frustrating and tragic stories to our shores?" asked Dr. Joyce.
Watch Dr. Joyce's line of questioning, here.
Background:
The Democrats' drug pricing legislation, H.R. 3, would limit Americans' access to lifesaving drugs and disincentivize new groundbreaking cures. For example, the regulations imposed by H.R.3 could halt efforts to find effective non-opioid pain management medications.
The witnesses for today's hearing included Mr. Michael A. Carrier, Distinguished Professor of Law, Rutgers Law School, Ms. Khrystal K. Davis, Rare Disease Caregiver andamp; Patient Advocate, Texas Rare Alliance Founding President, Dr. Gaurav Gupta, Founder, Ascendant BioCapital, Ms. Rachel Sachs, Associate Professor of Law, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Law, and Patient Ms. Therese Ball.
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