A biotechnology medicine replaces a hormone kidney dialysis patients lack, giving them renewed energy. Osteoporosis causes more than a million hip fractures a year. Increased drug utilization is good for patients and for the health care system . Outpatient prescription drugs account for only six cents out of every health care dollar. In many cases, drug treatment lowers the overall cost of treating a disease or condition.
Pharmaceuticals add value to health care, helping patients at every stage of life.
Policies that restrict the use of pharmaceuticals and discourage innovation hurt patients and the health care system. Legislation and other initiatives that attempt to cut the use of innovative medicines may save money today but will kill the promise of tomorrow's cures. Initiatives that would curtail the free market for pharmaceuticals. Proposals that would weaken protection of intellectual property.