HHS does not have authority to endorse discount cards, judge rules. Sen. Frist plans bill to grant authority to Administration. As Foreign Prescription Drug Source will be the focus of Senate prescription drug reimportation advocates, Sen. Dorgan tells hearing. HHS did not adequately research drug distribution system in Canada before declining to implement reimportation, he claims. Medicare Prescription Drug Analysis by the Congressional Budget Office concludes that savings from competition remain difficult to score.
Drug industry adds to research base supporting cost-effectiveness of medical technology.
Chairman Baucus remains at odds with Republicans on Finance Committee. AstraZeneca may amend new drug application to reflect aaiPharma isomer information. FDA-Style Compliance Auditing will be advocated by a prescription drug industry group in meetings with the HHS Inspector General. Firms will seek clarification on kickback and rebate statutes. Lilly, Roche And Amgen Independent Talks with the HHS Inspector General regarding compliance are being conducted.