Dorgan Says New FTC Report Shows How Consumers Are Hurt When Generic Drugs Are Delayed

Press Release

U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) commended the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today for issuing a new report that shows the cost to consumers from the delay of generic pharmaceuticals.

The FTC's report estimated that the delay of generic drugs costs Americans $3.5 billion per year.

"I commend the FTC for its work on this issue. These "pay-for-delay' agreements prevent customers from receiving the benefit of generic drug competition," said Dorgan. "As a result, Americans are forced to pay much more for name-brand prescription drugs, or worse yet, go without the medication they need."

Dorgan recently urged FTC Commissioner Jon Liebowitz to take action against companies that delay the release of generic drugs into the marketplace. Dorgan also joined several Senators in sending a letter to Senate leadership asking that the final health reform bill put a stop to "pay for delay" agreements.

Dorgan has been a strong advocate for putting downward pressure on prescription drug prices. During the Senate's consideration of the health reform bill, Dorgan offered his bipartisan amendment that would allow for the safe importation of prescription drugs from FDA-approved facilities from countries like Canada.

Source