International reference pricing of pharmaceuticals in the United States: Implications for potentially curative treatments

Abstract

Recent federal drug price control proposals have included mechanisms to benchmark US prices to international prices. These international price referencing (IRP) proposals recommend that the US government develop an index based on prices paid by a group of higher-income countries and restrict US prices to a narrow range of the index. IRP is a policy tool used across the globe to control drug costs, particularly in markets in which health care resources are limited. If IRP is implemented in the United States, where the drug industry derives roughly 50% of global pharmaceutical sales, what impact might it have on innovation and access? In this brief commentary, we explore this question in the context of cell and gene therapies (CGTs) (evolving therapeutics that have high clinical potential as well as uncertainty and risk). Many CGTs are in development, and the world faces a challenge in providing access. Pressure to provide access to patients who would benefit may create greater global concerns about health equity and access. We conclude that an IRP policy in the United States might exacerbate access problems to promising CGTs and impact innovation and population health. Disclosures: Funding for this project was provided by Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc. Sean D Sullivan has received research support from and served as a consultant to Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc. Omar Dabbous is an employee of Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc., and owns stock and other equities. Louis P Garrison has received consulting fees from BioMarin, Inc., and Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc. Kiera D Sullivan has no conflicts to report. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the authors and not necessarily their institutions.