ACR Pushes for Accessible and Affordable Treatments in New Principles

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has released a set of principles on prescription drug prices and access to rheumatology treatment. These principles hope to eliminate the barriers that patients are facing when trying to access breakthrough treatments and therapies that are needed to prevent permanent damage to their joints and organs, and early death.

Patients with rheumatic disease are struggling to obtain life-saving medications at affordable costs. The new principles were designed to encourage federal officials to make improvements to the accessibility and affordability of high-quality treatments. The ACR’s principles call to reduce and streamline “utilization management” tools used in drug distribution systems. They also include suggestions that ensure patient safety.

The ACR emphasizes innovation expansion in rheumatology therapeutics and advancements in FDA capacity and manufacturer ability to bring safe and effective biosimilars to the market. In the near future, the US Department of Health and Humans Services will take a look at the ACR’s detailed comments and provide feedback.

“These principles are foundational to our ability to care for our patients and help them maintain the quality of life they need and deserve,” said ACR President Daikh, MD, PhD, in a statement. “We look forward to engaging with the administration and relevant agencies to further guidances and rules.”