Pharma CEOs Signal Doubt on Lowering Prices in Sanders Showdown

Chief executives of Bristol Myers Squibb Co., Johnson & Johnson, and Merck & Co. all declined to commit to lowering the list price of their drugs before facing market competition, despite pressure from high profile senators Thursday.

“Will you commit today at Bristol Myers Squibb to reduce the list price of Eliquis in the United States to the price that you charge in Canada, where you make a profit?” Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) asked CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb, Chris Boerner, in a Thursday hearing before the Senate, Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

“We can’t make that commitment primarily ...