WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) co-sponsored the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act today to end the spiraling cost of prescription drugs. The legislation increases patients’ access to cheaper, generic drugs by limiting tactics that reduce competition among drug companies. The proposal will not infringe on patient rights or stifle industry innovation.
Currently, major drug companies abuse the patent system to prevent potential competitors from introducing more affordable alternatives. The result is higher prices at the pharmacy counter.
“We pay, in America, about $1,500 for every man, woman and child every year for pharmaceutical drugs. Other countries pay $750. For senior citizens on fixed incomes, this is unconscionable,” said Sen. Kennedy. “This legislation is one way we can make prescription drugs more affordable.”
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