Sanders, Cummings Ask Justice Department to Investigate Insulin Prices, as reported by Craig Idlebrook of Insulin Nation, 4 November 2016.
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Maryland Representative Elijah Cummings sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission requesting an investigation into whether the three major insulin-manufacturers “have colluded or engaged in anti-competitive behavior in setting their drug prices.”
On November 3rd, the two lawmakers delivered letters to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez, according to a FiercePharma report. In it, they ask the two agencies to examine the recent pricing history of insulin brands produced by Eli Lilly and Co., Sanofi, and Novo Nordisk. Citing recent reports by the Washington Post and Bloomberg, the lawmakers said there was evidence the drugmakers raised insulin prices for popular brands in unison.
“The original insulin patent expired 75 years ago,” write the lawmakers. “Instead of falling prices, as one might expect after decades of competition, three drugmakers who make different versions of insulin have continuously raised prices on this life-saving medication. In numerous instances, price increases have reportedly mirrored one another precisely.”
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