FDA Can Help On Drug Prices – Except When It Can't, Califf Says

Commissioner nominee tells Senate that faster approvals of cheap products and quicker development of innovative ones will reduce pricing pressure; 'monopoly' positions are a concern, but Califf draws the line when asked about drug importation.

Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., was eager to ask FDA commissioner nominee Robert Califf about drug prices during his confirmation hearing – so eager that the HELP Committee chairman almost forgot to let Califf make an opening statement.

Alexander recovered quickly, allowed Califf his introductory five minutes, and then again launched into an inquiry about ANDA review times, which had been

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