Improving Americans’ Quality of Life: Homes, Health, Jobs, and EducationOversight Committee Democrats are focused on preserving home ownership, getting America back to work, ensuring quality, affordable health care, and giving all students access to a high-quality education. |
Making Government Work for All AmericansOur aggressive agenda works to root out waste, fraud and abuse in government spending, enhance transparency, and ensure that the needs of Americans are put ahead of corporate special interest. |
Promoting the Safety and Well-Being of the American PeopleWe are committed to supporting our troops and veterans, protecting American consumers, and safeguarding national and homeland security. |
For a PDF version of the Democratic Agenda, please click here.
Cummings Investigates “Drug Speculation” and “Gray Market” Sales of Drugs in Critically Short Supply |
Seeks Profit and Source Information from Companies Trading in Drugs that Treat Leukemia in Children, Breast Cancer, Seizures Read more about Gray Market Investigation and Visit the Tip Line here. Washington, DC (Oct. 5, 2011)—Today, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, sent document requests to five “gray market” drug companies that buy and sell drugs in critically short supply, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). None of the companies manufactures drugs or treats patients. “I have been working with a network of hospital, pharmacy, and government representatives to investigate the extent to which ‘gray market’ middleman companies are making substantial profits by engaging in a form of drug speculation,” Cummings wrote. As part of this investigation, Cummings obtained confidential information relating to companies that charge exorbitant prices for shortage drugs—prices that are many times higher than those negotiated with authorized manufacturers and distributers. Cummings launched his investigation after receiving a heartfelt letter from Brenda Frese, the head women’s basketball coach at the University of Maryland, whose son was diagnosed with leukemia and treated with a drug called cytarabine, which is on FDA’s shortage list. In a statement commending Cummings for the investigation, Coach Frese said, “My son Tyler wouldn’t be alive today if we did not have access to the drugs that rid his body of cancer. Every family should have access to these drugs and it is a shame that they are either not available, or are only available to the highest bidder.” She added, “I applaud Congressman Cummings for pursuing this important investigation.” Cummings sent letters to the following five companies seeking information about how they are obtaining these drugs and, in turn, how much they are making in profits by selling these drugs to hospitals, pharmacies, and health care providers:
“Price gouging for drugs that treat cancer in children is simply unconscionable,” said Cummings. “We want to know where these companies are getting these drugs, and how much they are making in profits. Obtaining this information will help us develop concrete solutions.” One company, Premium Health Services, has already contacted Cummings’ office and pledged to cooperate fully and provide all the requested information. As part of the investigation, Cummings also announced the creation of a tipline for anyone with information about price gouging and speculation in drugs that are in critically short supply. The tipline is available by clicking here. |
Committee On Oversight and Government Reform
sitemap
U.S. House of Representatives | 2471 Rayburn House Office Building | Washington, D.C. 20515 | (202) 225-5051