[POLITICO Pulse] NEW COALITION TARGETS SOLVADI COST

“A broad coalition of health care groups is trying to compel the pharmaceutical company Gilead to slim down its profits on the multibillion-dollar hepatitis drug. The “miracle” med costs about $84,000 for a 12-week treatment that effectively cures hepatitis C more than 90 percent of the time — far more effective than earlier drugs that have worse side effects. But employer groups, the AARP, pharmacy benefit managers and public health groups say the astronomical cost is enough to potentially destabilize the health care system, and today, Pro’s Brett Norman reports, more than 80 organizations launched the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing to bring Gilead to the price-negotiating table.”