U.S. lawmakers seek analysis on drug prices

WASHINGTON Nov 18 (Reuters) - Top Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives have asked government investigators to assess recent increases in brand-name prescription drug prices, seeking a "benchmark" as Congress finalizes health reform overhaul.

The leaders of the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce Committees, in a letter to the Government Accountability Office sent late Tuesday, said they would probably seek another analysis of pricing trends after reform measures are implemented. (Reporting by Susan Heavey; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)