Drugmakers Seek Prolonged Shield From Medicare Price Negotiation

Makers of cancer therapies and other medications are eyeing longer protection from government-negotiated prices as one of several potential technical changes to the landmark drug price law.

The Inflation Reduction Act (Pub. L. 117-169) allows Medicare for the first time to negotiate with drug manufacturers for lower prices. Small molecule drugs—which have traditionally made up most of the market—are exempt from this process until nine years after their approval date. More complex biologics are exempt until 13 years after approval.

Having a longer time on the market without facing government negotiations means drugmakers can set their own price ...