Aussies could miss out under Trump drug pricing plan
Australians may miss access to “life -changing” drugs after explaining Donald Trump’s plans to reduce drug costs in the United States.
In May, President Trump asked American drug producers to reduce their prices to 29 September (USA time).
The order, if voluntary compliance does not make enough progress in reducing US pharmaceutical prices, the Trump administration may propose a rule to “impose the most advanced pricing”.
“The most versatile pricing” refers to a pricing policy that will reduce US prices to be compatible with the prices of other nations.
Drugs General Manager of Australia Elizabeth de Somer, the United States may reduce access to drugs, the plan for Australia “related”, he said.
“If he decided to compare the US prices with Australia, it would have a great impact because Australian companies and multinational companies would not bring their products to Australia if they would affect their ability to sell in the USA.” He said.
Mrs. Somer said that Australians could affect access to access to “life -changing” drugs.
“Companies already decide to delay starting new drugs.” He said.
“Really these new drugs… For the Australians, come here and change life and have a life -saving, and companies are wandering before bringing it to Australia in the US environment.
“So some new cancer drugs can be postponed.”
In a separate announcement, Trump said he would apply 100 percent tariff to branded or patented pharmaceutical products on Wednesday, unless a company built a production facility in the USA.
Drugs are one of the biggest exports of Australia to the United States and worth $ 2.2 billion.
However, Mrs. Somer said that the pricing proposal would have a more harmful effect on Australian patients than tariffs on access to drugs.
“Tariffs will have a harmful effect on the access of US consumers to drugs, because probably raises the price of drugs in the US.” He said.
“However, Australians can miss new drugs and can never take them if the reference pricing policy is applied.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albania was locked to face to face with Mr. Trump on 20 October for the United Nations General Assembly for the United Nations General Assembly.
“We believe in free, fair and open trade. We do not believe in tariffs … I’m sure the Prime Minister will put this position to the President while in the US.” He said.
