Dear Editor:

The pharmaceutical companies in this country are giving the citizens a trend of higher drug prices, as apparently they have convinced the powers that be, it is the way to go. However, these companies have negotiated with other countries for reduced cost, as these countries have rules and laws to provide reasonable cost to their constituents, which they abide by. Why is this not done in the United States?

No such committee exists in this country, nor is the center for Medicare and Medicaid allowed by our government to negotiate prices.

Specialty drugs are driving up costs, specifically those used to treat and manage less chronic diseases as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hemophilia and an array of cancers. Specialty drugs account for one percent of prescribed drugs in the U.S., however, they represent one third of the total drug spending by the consumers and government.

These rates are expected to rise 55 percent by 2020, according to the National Health Expenditures Committee and CVS Health Internal Analysis Report.

Drug companies spend twice as much on marketing and promoting their products.

Pharmaceutical companies have effectively reformulated old medications and used the Orphan Drug Act to extend patents exclusively by delaying lower costs to produce a generic product.

We need to contact our legislators to do right by us in reference to drug affordability, as in the future, only the people with excessive means will be able to access them.

Sandra Rumery

Boothbay