In a recent opinion piece published by the Lincoln Journal Star, Bio Nebraska Executive Director Rob Owen calls on lawmakers to eliminate the “pill penalty,” a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act that creates an uneven playing field between small and large-molecule medicines.
Currently, small-molecule drugs, typically taken in pill or tablet form, are subject to price controls just nine years after FDA approval, compared to 13 years for large-molecule drugs like injections and infusions. This disparity has already led to a 68% drop in investment in small-molecule treatments, according to a study by Vital Transformation.
Owen emphasizes the importance of protecting access to these everyday medications, particularly in rural states like Nebraska, where patients face unique challenges in accessing care. He urges Nebraska’s congressional delegation to support the EPIC Act, bipartisan legislation that would equalize the timeframes for price negotiations across all drug types and help ensure continued innovation and patient access.
Over 1,000 clinical trials took place in Nebraska in 2022 alone, progress that depends on strong investment in research and development. The EPIC Act represents a critical step toward preserving that momentum and improving health outcomes for all.