title: How can states provide affordable pharmaceuticals to the underserved?
abstract: Advocates of drug price restrictions in the U.S. argue that pharmaceutical companies operate in an unregulated market, free to charge whatever price the market will bear. The pharmaceutical industry insists that these large profits are justified for investments toward discovering new life saving medicines. As innovation wanes, marketing costs soar, and drug profits rise, public interest advocates and state leaders are challenging this justification. This article examines current problems associated with the ability to procure affordable medicines, and examines mounting tensions between the federal government and the states, particularly regarding the states' ability to negotiate lower prices with drug manufacturers in light of the recent Medicare changes. It provides a brief survey of efforts underway to secure affordable pharmaceuticals for state's residents, addressing the history and feasibility of using compulsory licensing for producing affordable life-saving drugs with respect to public health, constitutional, eminent domain, and anti-trust issues.
authors.affiliation: U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, USA. JJZara@aol.com
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zara
mesh_terms: D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D035082:Federal Government; D006801:Humans; D007880:Legislation, Drug; D006278:Medicare / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000191:economics*; D013219:State Government; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations