Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP), on Thursday issued subpoenas to the CEOs of Johnson & Johnson and Merck to testify. announced that it would take a vote. He declined a request to appear before a Senate committee after which he discussed drug pricing.
The subpoena against Johnson & Johnson CEO Joaquín Duato and Merck CEO Robert Davis, the release said, alleges that “both companies are increasing drug prices in the U.S. compared to other countries.'' They will be required to testify as to why the prices are set so high.
“The CEOs of Johnson & Johnson and Merck have refused a request from the majority of the HELP Committee to come to Congress to address the exorbitant prices of prescription drugs,” Sanders said. This is absolutely unacceptable.”
Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) CEO Chris Beirner and another unnamed pharmaceutical company CEO have agreed to testify before the HELP Committee.
The Senate president said that all three companies are selling drugs, including Merck & Co.'s diabetes drug Januvia, Johnson & Johnson's blood cancer drug Imbruvica, and BMS' anticoagulant sold as Eliquis. He noted that the company makes some of the most expensive drugs sold in the United States.
Asked for comment, Johnson & Johnson said in a statement: “Johnson & Johnson deeply respects the work of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and has continued to engage with the committee regarding proposed prescription drugs.” Hearing. As part of this effort, we have raised concerns about the currently scheduled public hearings. ”
Merck did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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