WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today praised the administration on its efforts to tackle the costs of both prescription and over-the-counter drugs as it announced multiple steps to address this growing burden on American consumers.

During an announcement made today with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, President Donald Trump offered a blueprint for lowering prescription drug prices through changes at the department to encourage innovation, transparency and price competition and through negotiating trade agreements so that Americans don’t face unfairly high prices for the same drugs that cost much less in other countries. Prior to Azar’s confirmation as secretary, Isakson had asked him during a Senate hearing to submit to Congress his recommendations on how to lower drug prices within six months of being confirmed. Isakson applauded the secretary for making good on that commitment with today’s announcement.

Trump also announced today plans for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to speed up the approval process for over-the-counter medicines so that patients can get more medicines without a doctor’s prescription, a proposal that is in line with legislation Isakson has introduced in the Senate to improve the way over-the-counter drugs are brought to market.

“The cost of prescription and over-the-counter drugs take a heavy toll on household budgets for too many Americans,” said Isakson, who is a member of two Senate committees that have oversight of the healthcare system. “I appreciate the commitment by President Trump and by Secretary Azar, who took our exchange during his first Senate hearing seriously, to put forward recommendations to lower drug prices and end abusive practices that take advantage of our laws. I look forward to reviewing the full details of these proposals to help more Americans access quality medications at affordable prices.” 

During Azar’s first hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Isakson questioned Azar about rising pharmaceutical costs. He asked Azar about his plans to address these costs with a “homework assignment” for the secretary to return within six months with “recommendations on what you’re going to do to help end the gaming of the system in terms of pharmaceuticals.” 

Isakson’s bipartisan Over-the-Counter Drug Safety, Innovation, and Reform Act, S.2315, would overhaul the way over-the-counter medications are regulated and brought to market. The reforms aim to protect public health and encourage the development of new products to better meet the needs of patients. This bill has already passed out of the Senate health committee by a vote of 22-1 and awaits action on the Senate floor.

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