TL/DR –
Congressman Greg Murphy introduced the Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures (EPIC) Act to amend provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act that he claims have deterred R&D into small molecule medicines. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, small molecule drugs are selected for the “Medicare Drug Price Negotiation” program seven years after FDA approval, with price controls implemented at year nine, a process Murphy argues has led to pharmaceutical companies discontinuing the pursuit of new cures. According to a University of Chicago policy brief, the existing legislation could result in 188 fewer small molecule medicines coming to market and lead to 116 million life-years lost.
Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures Act Introduced
Greg Murphy, M.D., a U.S. Congressman, has introduced the Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures (EPIC) Act. This bill aims to modify the Inflation Reduction Act’s “pill penalty” to promote continued investment in small molecule medicines, essential for those with cancer, neurological conditions, and other diseases. Murphy asserts that the current model discourages research and development of life-saving drugs, limiting treatment options for patients.
Murphy presented the legislation alongside Congressmen Don Davis and Brett Guthrie, Chair of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee. They emphasized the need to support the development of vital medical treatments and ensuring these remain accessible for vulnerable patients.
The Inflation Reduction Act’s current price-fixing model allows small molecule drugs to enter the “Medicare Drug Price Negotiation” program seven years post FDA approval. A two-year “negotiation period” ensues, with price control commencing at the ninth year.
Biologics can be selected for the program 11 years after FDA approval, with the price being controlled from the 13th year onwards. The steep cost of bringing a new drug to market has led to a decreased focus on developing new cures. Consequently, the proposal of the EPIC Act seeks to address the declining investment in small molecule medicines.
A University of Chicago policy brief states that due to the current disparity in the time frame, 188 fewer small molecule medicines will reach the market, contributing to the loss of 116 million life-years.
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