Brad Watts
Vice President, Patents and Innovation Policy, Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC), U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Published
November 06, 2024
Several clinical trials suggest that anti-obesity medications like semiglutide and tirzepatide hold promise to address a wide range of chronic diseases, and now a new study shows that they may be a treatment option for people with various addictions. To unleash the full potential of anti-obesity medications, we need a healthy innovation ecosystem that incentivizes investment and promotes continued research, discovery, and development – especially beyond the initial marketed indications. Unfortunately, some public officials are considering federal price controls on anti-obesity medications, which would suppress the progress we’ve made and halt new progress altogether.
Anti-obesity medication saves lives: Anti-obesity medicines are helping millions of Americans lead healthier, longer lives. Evidence suggests these medicines are not only alleviating obesity, but also reducing patients’ risks for heart attacks, strokes, hospitalizations for heart failure and heart disease deaths by 20 percent, impacting 800,000 lives each year. These medicines are also driving 40% lower rates of hospitalizations for heroin overdoses and 50% lower rates for alcohol intoxication.
From innovation oasis to research desert: Despite only accounting for 5% of the global population, the United States is home to 36% of clinical trial research. As a result American patients have faster access to the latest breakthrough treatments. However, America’s research leadership is under threat by harmful policy proposals, most notably the federal government’s new price control powers under the so-called “negotiation” program. Over time, these price controls are projected to both reduce the number of clinical trials by thousands across all categories of research. Worse still, the Chamber’s research suggests that if price controls are implemented on anti-obesity medications, obesity-related clinical trial research would be slashed by 70%.
The price for patients: Diminished clinical trial activity not only threatens patient access to new medicines, but also undermines further research and development into how existing medicines can treat other conditions. To put it simply, price controls will lead to fewer cures, putting everyone’s health at risk. The Chamber’s research shows that countries that implement price controls have fewer overall biopharmaceutical product launches, and fewer biologics, oncology products, and delayed access to treatments.
The bottom line: We’ve only just scratched the surface of anti-obesity medical innovation. But we can only unlock that power if Congress reverses the impacts of government price controls. It is critical that policymakers support this research activity by offering incentives for innovation and encouraging free enterprise.
About the authors
Brad Watts
Brad Watts is the Vice President for Patents and Innovation Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC). He works with U.S. Chamber members to foster a political, legal, and economic environment where innovators and creators can invest in the next big thing for the benefit of Americans and the world.
