CAHC was quoted in a recent article by Bloomberg Law reviewing the 500 comments were filed on the Biden administration’s framework for the federal government to use its march-in rights. The proposal lays out the Biden administration’s stance in a longstanding debate over whether price is a justifiable reason for the government to “march in” and take over a patent on technology developed with the help of taxpayer dollars and then license it to an outside manufacturer.
“The proposed framework sounds politically sexy—grab patents of companies if their drug prices are too high. But the impact will disappoint consumers—even the most aggressive efforts to reinterpret march-in rights would not affect 99 percent of drugs,” the Council for Affordable Health Coverage wrote.
“While the Biden Administration talks tough, its approach will simply chill investment in new treatments and cures because the threat of the government stealing patents hangs over every new idea’s success,” the council said.