And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda is rather modest. We plan to hang with our short people, escort Mrs. Pharmalot to a theatrical extravaganza, and take a nap or three. And what about you? Once again, we will remind you that this is a lovely time of year to fill your baskets with apples or, if you feel brave, search for the Great Pumpkin. You could also winterize your castle or make time for someone special. Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. Enjoy, and see you soon …
The chief executives of the three largest U.S. drug distributors and a large drug maker have been summoned to appear before a federal judge to discuss a proposal to resolve thousands of lawsuits alleging they fueled the U.S. opioid crisis, Reuters reports. The order by U.S. District Judge Dan Polster in Cleveland came as the distributors — McKesson (MCK), Cardinal Health (CAH), and AmerisourceBergen (ABC) — and Teva Pharmaceutical (TEVA) moved to reach a deal ahead of a trial before him that begins on Monday. Attorneys general of North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Tennessee also will participate, along with the lead lawyers for the counties, cities, Native American tribes and other groups that have filed suit against the drug makers, the Washington Post notes.
Republicans wheeled into the committee room a dozen boxes, overflowing with thousands of pages of printed amendments, in hopes of dramatically changing Democrats’ signature drug pricing bill, STAT says. None was successful: After 10 hours of debate, the bill had hardly changed at all. Republicans have derided the bill as a rushed government takeover of health care, and Democrats have countered that Republicans let drug prices get to a crisis point and this was the best way to help dying patients.
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