What's Happening?
Colorado has approved a price cap on Enbrel, a drug used to treat autoimmune diseases, reducing its cost to one-third of its previous price. This move is part of a broader effort by states like Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington to address the rising cost of prescription drugs. The pharmaceutical industry is expected to challenge these measures in court, arguing that they could hinder innovation and access to medications.
Why It's Important?
State-imposed price caps on prescription drugs represent a significant shift in efforts to control healthcare costs in the U.S. By targeting high drug prices, states aim to make medications more affordable for consumers, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow. However, these measures could face legal challenges from the pharmaceutical industry, which argues that such regulations could impact drug availability and innovation.