The AHA today expressed support for the Closing Loopholes for Orphan Drugs Act, H.R. 4538, bipartisan legislation that would limit the “orphan drug” exclusion for 340B Drug Pricing Program rural and cancer hospitals. Specifically, the legislation would allow 340B critical access hospitals, sole community providers, rural referral centers and free-standing cancer hospitals to purchase orphan drugs at discounted rates through the 340B program as long as the orphan drug is used to treat illnesses or conditions other than the rare illnesses or conditions for which the orphan drug designation was originally given. “In an era of ever increasing prescription drug costs, this bill is an important step to ensure 340B hospitals subject to the orphan drug exclusion can obtain lifesaving drugs at a much needed discount so they can stretch limited resources to better serve their communities,” AHA wrote in a letter of support to Reps. Peter Welch, D-V.T., and David McKinley, R-W.Va., the bill’s sponsors.

Related News Articles

Headline
States have until Sept. 30 to submit an optional letter of intent to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services indicating they plan to apply to the…
Headline
The AHA Sept. 24 expressed support for the Medical Student Education Authorization Act (H.R. 5428), legislation introduced in the House Sept. 17 that would…
Headline
The U.S. District Court for the District of Maine today issued an order denying preliminary injunctions requested by AbbVie and Novartis in legal challenges…
Headline
Susan Doherty, AHA’s vice president of field engagement, and Rebecca Chickey, AHA’s senior director of behavioral health services, write on the unique ways…
Headline
The AHA expressed support Sept. 22 to House and Senate sponsors of the Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act (H.R. 5454/S. 2879), legislation that would apply a…
Headline
The Senate Sept. 19 failed to adopt a continuing resolution by a 44-48 vote  that would have funded the government through Nov. 21. The CR was passed by…