Driving Down Costs: FTC and DOJ Convene to Explore Competition’s Role in Lowering Drug Prices
Washington D.C. – August 1, 2025 – In a significant move to address the escalating cost of prescription medications for Americans, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) jointly hosted a vital listening session today. The event, titled “Lowering Americans’ Drug Prices Through Competition,” brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to share insights and collaboratively explore strategies that leverage competition to make essential medicines more affordable.
The unprecedented session underscored a shared commitment from both federal agencies to tackle a pressing issue that impacts countless households across the nation. By convening experts, patient advocates, industry representatives, and policymakers, the FTC and DOJ aimed to gather a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities present within the pharmaceutical market.
The discussion centered on how to foster and protect robust competition throughout the drug lifecycle, from the initial stages of research and development to the final point of sale. Participants were invited to offer their perspectives on a range of critical areas. These included:
- Anticompetitive Practices: Identifying and addressing practices that may stifle competition, such as certain brand-name drug manufacturer strategies that delay the market entry of lower-cost generic or biosimilar alternatives.
- Generic and Biosimilar Access: Examining barriers that hinder the timely availability of generics and biosimilars, which are crucial for driving down prices and increasing patient access.
- Supply Chain Dynamics: Understanding how competition, or the lack thereof, influences the pharmaceutical supply chain and its impact on final drug prices.
- Innovation and Competition: Exploring the delicate balance between incentivizing pharmaceutical innovation and ensuring that new treatments are accessible and affordable to the public.
The listening session served as a crucial platform for open dialogue, allowing the FTC and DOJ to glean valuable firsthand accounts and expert analysis. The insights gathered are expected to inform future policy decisions, enforcement actions, and initiatives aimed at promoting a more competitive and patient-centric pharmaceutical landscape.
Both agencies reiterated their dedication to using their respective authorities to ensure fair competition and protect consumers. This collaborative effort signals a proactive approach to confronting the complex issue of drug pricing and a commitment to finding practical, market-based solutions that can bring much-needed relief to American families. The information gathered today will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of drug affordability in the United States.
FTC and DOJ Host Listening Session on Lowering Americans’ Drug Prices Through Competition
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