The price of Eliquis in the United States is almost eight times higher compared to its cost in Canada. (Photo credit: George Frey/Reuters/File via CNN)


February 07, 2024

In a dramatic twist, Senator Bernie Sanders has once again set his sights on the pharmaceutical industry, unleashing a scathing report that unveils a staggering price gap for three blockbuster drugs between the U.S. and other nations. With a flourish of data, Sanders' report paints a stark picture: while Americans shell out exorbitant sums, their counterparts abroad enjoy significantly lower price tags for the same medications.

Take, for instance, Bristol Myers Squibb's Eliquis, a lifesaving blood thinner. In the U.S., its annual price tag towers at $7,100, a figure that pales in comparison to its costs in Japan, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France.

But the disparity doesn't end there. Johnson & Johnson's Stelara, a vital arthritis treatment, commands a princely sum of $79,000 annually in the U.S., dwarfing its prices in other countries by tens of thousands of dollars.

And then there's Merck's Keytruda, a beacon of hope for cancer patients, priced at a staggering $191,000 in the U.S., while across the pond, its cost is significantly lower.

Sanders, the fiery senator from Vermont, strategically unveiled this damning report ahead of a high-stakes hearing with the chief executives of these pharmaceutical giants. With the stage set for a showdown, Sanders' committee aims to hold these industry leaders accountable, even wielding the threat of subpoenas to secure their testimony.

Yet, amidst the political theatre, the pharmaceutical titans maintain a steely silence. Johnson & Johnson declines to comment, while Merck and Bristol Myers Squibb remain elusive to inquiries.

Meanwhile, a glimmer of hope emerges as Medicare embarks on unprecedented negotiations with drug manufacturers, aiming to rein in the skyrocketing costs of medications. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, as the U.S. grapples with a deeply entrenched pricing system that often leaves patients grappling with astronomical bills.

As Sanders' report lays bare the eye-watering profits and lavish compensations of pharmaceutical executives, a contentious debate ensues over the delicate balance between profit margins and patients' access to affordable medication.

Amidst the swirling controversies, one question looms large: will Medicare's negotiations herald a new era of affordability, or will the entrenched interests of the pharmaceutical industry continue to hold sway?

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

U.S. Absence in WHO Flu Discussions Raises Concerns— Halts Flu Data Sharing

The United States has not contributed its seasonal flu data to the World Health Organization (WHO) since January 20, raising....

Trump Signs Executive Orders on IVF for Expanding Access, Calls for Transparency in Government

Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) while reducing....

Measles Outbreak in West Texas Rises to 48 with No Ending Hope

The ongoing measles outbreak in West Texas has rapidly expanded, now affecting 48 people, mostly children and teenagers. This surge....

Louisiana Halts Mass Vaccination Efforts Amid Rising Flu Cases

The Louisiana Department of Health will no longer actively promote mass vaccination campaigns. This decision, outlined in a memo from....

Canada Sees Record High Breast Cancer Cases Among Youngers

The number of new breast cancer cases in Canada has reached an all-time high in 2024, according to the Canadian....

Air Pollution: A Silent Threat to Global Health. How to Stay Safe?

Fresh air is essential, yet billions worldwide breathe polluted air daily. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of....

Nevada Dairy Worker Recovers from Rare Bird Flu Strain

A dairy worker in Nevada has recovered after contracting a rare strain of bird flu, federal health officials confirmed on....

Super Bowl Betting Surge Raises Public Health Concerns

With billions of dollars expected to be wagered on this year's Super Bowl, experts warn that the rise in online....

U.S. Faces One of the Most Intense Flu Seasons in 15 Years

The ongoing winter virus season in the U.S. has reached significant intensity, with flu activity hitting its highest levels in....

B.C. Doctor Resigns After Controversy Over Overdose Sites

A Vancouver Island doctor has stepped down from her position at Island Health after being placed on administrative leave for....

New Bird Flu Strain Found in U.S. Dairy Cows: Concerns Rise

In Nevada, dairy cows have been infected with a new strain of bird flu, marking a concerning development in the....

Direct Primary Care: A New Healthcare Trend Without Insurance

Andrea Meneses found a direct primary care clinic after her grandmother’s health scare. Her grandmother, who had no insurance, needed....