For some Democrats, curbing innovation is the cost of reducing prices

If biopharma’s innovation engines slow just a touch, that’s fine — just so long as drug prices are substantially slashed. That’s the latest argument being made by Democratic lawmakers, STAT’s Lev Facher reports.

Critics of Nancy Pelosi’s high-profile drug pricing bill, particularly from trade group PhRMA, have described the legislation as an enormous threat to the development of new medicines. But a handful fewer drugs might not be so bad, according to Rep. Darren Soto, a Florida Democrat.

“Three hundred forty-five billion dollars in savings versus the cost of eight to 15 fewer drugs over 10 years,” he said at a recent hearing. “I frankly think it’s worth it.”