US Senators Release Public Comments On Sovaldi Report

Two key senators today released dozens of comments they received in response to their report on the medicine Sovaldi (and its follow-on Harvoni), whose extreme high prices sparked a debate over pharmaceutical pricing that has created momentum for policy changes.

The full joint press release of the senators is reprinted below:

WYDEN, GRASSLEY RELEASE PUBLIC COMMENTS ON SOVALDI REPORT

WASHINGTON – Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and senior committee member Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, today released comments from the health care and patient community in response to the policy questions raised in their report, “The Price of Sovaldi and Its Impact on the U.S. Health Care System,” released on December 1, 2015.

The report examined how Gilead Sciences, Inc. developed, priced, marketed and sold the hepatitis C drug, Sovaldi, and its follow-on drug, Harvoni. The submissions can be found here.

“We thank all those who sent constructive, substantial comments on how new drugs are changing the health care system, and the challenges that creates for Medicare, Medicaid, and private health programs alike,” Wyden and Grassley said. “This feedback will be thoughtfully reviewed as we consider how to address policy issues such as the financial impact of expensive breakthrough drugs, patient access, and marketplace transparency.”

Wyden and Grassley previously requested comment on January 21, 2016. The senators received 63 comments from individuals, organizations and businesses.