Inside STAT: Democrats' new logic: Slightly fewer medicines OK if it means lower prices

REP. DARREN SOTO (D-FLA.) (STEVE CANNON/AP)

In a surprise move, Democratic lawmakers have begun to show more candor about an idea that’s long been controversial: Lowering drug prices might be worth the payoff even if it means a dip in biomedical innovation. The industry group PhRMA has pushed back on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s drug pricing bill, saying it represented a “nuclear winter” for the development of new medicines. But instead of backing away from the proposed legislation, some members of Congress have turned to pragmatism. “Three hundred forty-five billion dollars in savings versus the cost of eight to 15 fewer drugs over 10 years,” Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.) said at a recent hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “I frankly think it’s worth it.” STAT’s Lev Facher has more from Washington here.