Thread by @_jacquie_lee

.@FrankPallone on cost of sole source drugs w no competition

Asks PBM reps what they can do to control costs on those. PMBs say there's not much besides kicking it off formulary

Pallone: Would Tump's plan scrapping rebates bring down costs of sole source?

PBMs: No

Some tension rn btw Express Scripts&Pfizer reps

Pfizer: It's too difficult to get biosimilars on formularies "bc of rebate strategies" 4 original biologic

ES: Disagrees. Biosimilars must add value/cost less. To drugmakers: consider that when they’re launching their list prices

Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb was critical of formulary placement for biosimilars & how it's hampered uptake

My story from Sept news.bloomberglaw.com/pharma-and-lif…

@RepSarbanes brings up $ spent in lobbying: does that give you a competitive advantage?

Pfizer and Amgen rep: can't comment on whether it gives them a competitive advantage

Express Scripts: don't think it gives us competitive advantage

.@RepLarryBucshon: Do PBMs ask you to increase list price?

Pfizer rep: *quietly* "I'm not aware of any such requests"

Bucshon: I’ve been told by companies that PBMs put daily pressure on list price

Amgen rep: "I'm not aware of any of those instances"

But then Pfizer and Amgen say there's pressure to increase rebates & need to compete on both "lowest net price and total discounts"

.@repbenraylujan really pushing Amgen rep to answer whether they'll disclose *right now* and voluntarily the drug rebates they pay

Amgen: We are not willing to do that today unless price make sit to patient

Today's E&C hearing definitely has a bit more fire than the hearings on #drugprices we've had lately 🔥