A few older drugs show promise as COVID-fighters, but some scientists say the pharmaceutical industry has shown little interest in testing them when it can earn billions from mediocre new ones.
But they face drug industry opposition as they consider bills to make generic drugs more available, limit out-of-pocket insulin costs and set price limits on expensive drugs.
The state released its latest drug transparency data, which shows that Humira, used for rheumatoid arthritis, racked up $81 million in sales over the past year.
Health insurance companies will have to give their customers estimated out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs and disclose to the public the negotiated prices they pay for drugs.
The pharmaceutical industry has donated nearly $280,000 to state lawmakers and candidates in Oregon since the start of 2019, with five Republicans drawing the biggest sums.
Though Florida and five other states -- not in the Northwest -- have passed laws allowing them to seek federal approval to buy drugs from Canada, observers say the proposal is aimed at Florida.
The Food and Drug Administration is weighing whether to resume a coronavirus vaccine trial that was halted when a volunteer suffered spinal cord damage as federal health officials launch an investigation.
Given the prevailing business-centric model of American drug pricing, a COVID-19 vaccine could be budget breaking, perhaps making it unavailable to many.