Global Fairness in Drug Pricing Act

This bill aims to lower prescription drug prices in the U.S. by tying them to prices in other well‑developed countries and cracking down on unfair industry practices. It tells federal health agencies to quickly set target prices so U.S. patients pay amounts similar to what people pay abroad, and to help patients buy directly from drugmakers at those prices. It also asks trade and commerce officials to study whether drug company behaviors are unfair, like making U.S. patients shoulder most of the world’s research costs, and report back within 180 days.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Patients who need prescription drugs; drug manufacturers; federal agencies that oversee health, trade, and competition.
• What changes: Within 30 days, health officials must propose rules to set target prices based on other developed countries. The government would also support direct‑to‑consumer programs at those prices.
• Buying from abroad: Individuals could get case‑by‑case waivers to import lower‑cost medicines from certain developed countries if federal health officials certify it’s safe and saves money.
• Stopping unfair practices: The Justice Department and FTC are directed to take action against anticompetitive behavior by drug companies.
• When: Price rule plan due within 30 days of the law taking effect; the study on manufacturer behavior is due within 180 days .