How Big Pharma Pressures States To Pay For Pricey Pills
Nothing about a Washington state lawsuit called B.E. v. Teeter is as simple as it seems.
It was filed this year by two hepatitis C patients against the state’s Medicaid program to help the poor gain access to drugs such as Gilead Sciences Inc.’s $1,000-a-pill cure.
But behind the team bringing the case is Gilead itself. While the drug giant isn’t involved in the lawsuit, the company and its foundation have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the researchers, lawyers, patient advocates and medical expert who have helped build the case.
It was filed this year by two hepatitis C patients against the state’s Medicaid program to help the poor gain access to drugs such as Gilead Sciences Inc.’s $1,000-a-pill cure.
But behind the team bringing the case is Gilead itself. While the drug giant isn’t involved in the lawsuit, the company and its foundation have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the researchers, lawyers, patient advocates and medical expert who have helped build the case.