December 8, 2023

This week, the Biden administration announced plans to drastically expand the use of Bayh-Dole Act “march-in” provisions to manipulate drug costs. Gerard Scimeca, Chairman of Consumer Action for a Strong Economy (CASE), issued the following statement on what this announcement could mean for the future of American medical innovation:

“The Bayh-Dole Act was never intended to be used as a means to manipulate and control drug pricing. The Biden administration’s announcement this week displays an utter disregard for legislative intent and shows that the administration is looking to weaponize the law for its own malign interests. Abusing Bayh-Dole’s “march-in” provisions to seize patents on drugs and enforce the will of big-government over American medicine would have disastrous implications for our nation’s leadership in medical research and development (R&D).

“The technology transfers and public-private collaborations encouraged by the Bayh-Dole framework have provided the impetus for countless lifesaving breakthroughs in medicine. Misusing “march-in” rights to control the market will put an end to this system and drive away necessary private sector investments. Our elected officials need to stand up against this blatant attempt to radically expand government power. Consumers depend on our innovative healthcare system for lifesaving cures, and it’s up to us to protect and defend this advantage.”