Trending News Today: FDA Calls Out Drug Makers Accused of Blocking Generics

Officials with the FDA are publicizing information on brand-name drug makers that use what government officials call “gaming tactics” to block cheaper generic versions, the Associated Press reported. According to the article, the FDA’s new webpage names the makers of more than 50 brand-name drugs who are suspected of blocking the entry of generics. The agency also lists inquiries it has received from generic drug makers requesting the FDA’s help in getting access to brand-name drugs, although not all complaints have been verified, the article reported.

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis) said on Thursday that a compromise is being worked out on a controversial bill aimed at lowering drug prices, The Hill reported. According to the article, the bill seeks to crack down on delay tactics that drug companies use to slow the pace of cheaper generic drugs hitting the market. The bill has been stalled for months due to an intense lobbying campaign against it from drug companies, the article reported

A grand jury report following the worst outbreak of hepatitis A in the United States in 20 years criticizes the response of San Diego city and county officials, the Associated Press reported. According to the article, the outbreak killed 20 and sickened 577 people between November 2016 and October 2017. The report faults the county and city for inadequate coordination that delayed sanitation procedures that could have slowed the spread of the disease, the article reported.