The endorsement by AARP for our on-going battle against the powerful drug industry is extremely important and is appreciated. AARP has pledged the support of its legal staff which is most helpful. The drug companies are so powerful politically in Washington that they literally believe they are above the law. They have had their way in both the executive and legislative branches of government for years. Some believe they also have tremendous clout in the courts at the national level and maybe even at local levels. Without a doubt, it’s time for the interests of the American people to be considered for a change.

I received a copy of a letter written by AARP that is most significant and pretty well lays out the story of how important the litigation in Alabama has become. I felt that sharing it with our readers would be appropriate.

Dear General King and Commissioner Hermann-Steckel:

I am writing to applaud the State of Alabama’s most important work in the litigation pending against 72 drug manufacturers for false and deceptive practices and marketing prescription drug products.

AARP is dedicated to increasing the access and affordability of prescription drugs and we have followed with great interest the progress of the litigation. Because prescription drug spending has skyrocketed over the last fifteen years, thereby limiting access to medically necessary medicines, AARP advocates for policies that can broaden access to prescription drugs and for policies that lower the cost of prescriptions for consumers.

We congratulate you on damages that have been returned to date. We understand that additional litigation is also being pursued later this fall. Your work is crucial not only to Alabama’s 900,000 Medicaid beneficiaries, but also to Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries throughout the country.

We support your efforts and look forward to working with you to lower drug prices and to secure additional resources for Alabama’s Medicaid beneficiaries.

Sincerely,
David P. Sloane
Senior Vice-President
Government Relations and Advocacy

We have our next case in Alabama set for trial on October 27th against Bristol Meyers Squibb. We are currently engaged in settlement negations with 25 companies. The support of AARP is extremely significant and the fact they have 514,000 members in Alabama is critically important.

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