PhRMA Statement on House Passage of Health Care Reform Bill

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pharmaceutical Research and
Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) Senior Vice President Ken Johnson released
the following statement regarding the House health care reform bill:

"We are disappointed, but not surprised by today's vote -- an uneasiness
echoed by millions of hardworking Americans as well as nearly half of the
members of the U.S. House of Representatives who voted against the bill.

"While well intentioned, the bill -- as passed -- would have the unintended
consequences of killing tens of thousands of jobs in our industry at a time
when the American economy is struggling and unemployment has soared above 10
percent. This is absolutely the worst time to be putting additional strains on
the economy with punishing job losses.

"Despite the shortcomings in the House legislation, we remain completely
committed to helping the President and Congress pass comprehensive health care
reform this year. We continue to be guided by a single-minded purpose:
everyone in America -- not just some of us, but all of us -- should have
access to high-quality, affordable health care coverage and services. Done in
a smart way, health care reform will benefit patients, the economy and the
future of our nation.

"From the beginning, we knew that this would be a long, contentious and
oftentimes difficult process, but if health care reform is to be successful,
it will require a shared sacrifice -- and we are prepared to do our part. We
remain convinced that the approach taken by the Senate Finance Committee
provides the best blueprint for comprehensive reform. As an editorial in
today's Washington Post pointed out, 'The House will probably pass the bill.
But there there's a lot of work to be done before its final enactment will be
possible -- or desirable.'

"That's our take, too. This is a three-act play and a good critic doesn't
write a review after the opening scenes. We are still hopeful that before the
curtain comes down on health care reform, the Senate will seriously consider
the impact any final legislation will have on U.S. jobs and innovation.
Cutting-edge medicines have dramatically increased life expectancy rates in
America and around the world and have allowed patients with cancer, heart
disease, diabetes and other devastating chronic diseases to live longer,
healthier and more productive lives.

"If we are going to cure cancer in our lifetime -- as President Obama has
challenged us to do -- we believe health care reform must support medical
progress and innovation in America. Saving money is important, but so is
saving lives. In the end, we believe that thoughtful leaders will step up and
recognize the overriding importance of striking the right balance. Among
other things, we believe final health care reform legislation should provide
for a fair period of data protection for innovative biologic medicines which
hold the promise to revolutionize health care.

"What's crucial now is that we remain focused on the laudable goal of enacting
comprehensive health care reform this year. In life, we get precious few
opportunities to fundamentally improve the lives of people all across our
great nation. Working together, this is our chance."

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents
the country's leading pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies,
which are devoted to inventing medicines that allow patients to live longer,
healthier, and more productive lives. PhRMA companies are leading the way in
the search for new cures. PhRMA members alone invested an estimated $50.3
billion in 2008 in discovering and developing new medicines. Industry-wide
research and investment reached a record $65.2 billion in 2008.

PhRMA Internet Address: http://www.phrma.org
For information on stories of hope and survival, visit:
http://sharingmiracles.com/
For information on how innovative medicines save lives, visit:
http://www.innovation.org
For information on the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, visit:
http://www.pparx.org
For information on the danger of imported drugs, visit:
http://www.buysafedrugs.info
For more information on public health emergencies, visit
http://www.rxresponse.org

SOURCE Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America

Jennifer Wall for PhRMA, +1-202-835-3460