Speak Out

Stop government price control on medication

For decades, new drugs have been researched and developed that have literally saved, preserved and prolonged our lives. But proposals to control the prices on prescription drugs today could actually prevent other medical miracles from ever happening.

A steady stream of new drugs and therapies are continually being developed by drug companies to fight diseases like cancer, lending credence to the term "cancer survivor." It seems those promoting a Medicare reform favoring price controls on prescription drugs desire to stop, or at least slow down this nation's stream of innovation, forcing drug companies to cut back on research and development. That's because much of the profit that drug companies make from the prescription drug market goes into researching cures and developing new and better drugs that cost up to $100-200 million apiece.

Simply put, government price controls could force drug companies to curb research into cures for cancer, Alzheimer's and diabetes, a disease I know all too well.

Instead of being concerned with drug company profits, we should realize how we profit and prosper individually and as a nation due to medical research and advances. I did not ask for this disease. I was in good health before I became a diabetic. I had no idea I would ever be this sick. What I don't need are price controls on drugs that will impede new developments and research concerning my disease and others like it.

Research is the key. It is the brightest hope there is in the fight against the terrible maladies that afflict mankind. I depend on access to every innovative and promising drug on the market and continue to wait for a cure to diabetes, my future medical miracle.

Janet Glasgow
San Jose

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