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With President Joe Biden dropping out of the race, Vice President Kamala Harris is increasingly becoming the Democratic presidential nominee. Harris has already garnered support from many other political heavyweights outside the president, and her campaign won with record approval ratings. $81 million in donations During a 24-hour period this week.
What would a Kamala Harris administration mean for the pharmaceutical industry if she ultimately wins in November? Her record, public comments and history follow a trajectory that’s familiar to many Democrats.
The pharmaceutical industry has long been accused of allowing corporations and lobbying groups to influence Congress. $1.6 million to lawmakers According to a KFF Health News report, pharmaceutical lobbyists’ money has been directed more to Republicans in the first six months of 2021. But Harris raised thousands of dollars in her first 2020 presidential campaign. Donations from pharmaceutical companiesAccording to a report by The Intercept, Trump “has not taken money from pharmaceutical executives.” Trump’s campaign previously told CNN that Trump “has not taken money from pharmaceutical executives.” Trump has returned some of the money, including a $2,700 donation from a Pharmaceutics International executive, but records show he has received donations from executives of Pfizer, Vertex and other companies, The Intercept reported.
Still, Harris supported drug pricing reform and took a tough stance in several lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies during her tenure as California’s attorney general. After reaching several billion-dollar settlements with drug companies, California Earned $46 million Accused of illegal marketing and drug pricing by GSK $89 million Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals accused of illegal marketing practices $23.6 million McKesson sued for compensation for rising drug prices.
Harris’ record and public comments reveal where she stands on three issues important to the pharmaceutical industry.
Medicare Drug Price Negotiations
Harris played a key role by casting the tie-breaking vote in helping the Biden administration pass the Inflation Curb Act. VoteIntroduce the bill in the Senate.
To the ire of many in the pharmaceutical industry, the IRA gives the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services the power to negotiate prices for certain drugs covered by Medicare; and First wave of 10 drugs Negotiations are currently underway between the government and pharmaceutical companies, and implementation shows no signs of slowing down, despite numerous legal challenges from the pharmaceutical companies.
In general, throughout her career, Harris has demonstrated a willingness to support measures that address the issue of drug costs.
“When I was California’s attorney general, I saw countless families suffering silently because they or their loved ones could not afford the prescription medications they needed,” she said. last year“I investigated and held accountable pharmaceutical companies who tried to stop the production of cheaper generic versions of their drugs.”
Additionally, during her 2020 presidential primary run, Harris unveiled a “Medicare for All” plan that would allow the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate. Lowering prescription drug prices.
Out-of-pocket expenses
The IRA also Self-payment amount For seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D plans. In May, she announced her intention to expand the cost cap to non-Medicare beneficiaries.
“President Biden and I have taken on Big Pharma to bring the price of insulin down to $35 and cap the annual cost of prescription drugs for seniors at $2,000,” she said on Facebook on May 19. “If I win re-election, Limiting costs for everyone.”
Harris has previously Supported use Right to march A controversial provision that allows the government to take control of certain patents to lower drug prices.
The Biden administration said late last year that it could enforce march-in rights, but that power has yet to be used.
Abortion and Women’s Health
Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Harris has become a central figure in the fight for women’s access to health care and abortion, particularly the abortion pill. She Reproductive Freedom Tours Last year, he spoke out against abortion bans at a public rally.
Earlier this year, About CVs and Walgreens Announcing the distribution of mifepristone, one of two drugs commonly used in medical abortions, Harris said the move was “Critical Step“Ensuring women have access to the health services they need.”
Since announcing her campaign, she has received support from the abortion rights lobbying group Emily’s List.
“Now that Republicans have launched an all-out attack on our reproductive rights, this issue will be a driving force for Democratic victory, and Vice President Harris has been their strongest advocate and messenger on this issue,” said Jessica Mackler, president of Emily’s List. statement.
