Without Republican support, Biden’s HHS nominee couldn’t get a majority in the Finance Committee, but that shouldn’t imperil his bid to become secretary of Health and Human Services.

Payers would welcome any additional clarity provided by advisory panel review, given the perception, expressed in a recent ICER report, that the evidence is insufficient to determine whether the new drug is safer or more effective than erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.

Elizabeth Fowler brings combination of Capitol Hill, White House and pharma industry experience to the role of director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.

Policymakers should instead focus on increasing efficiencies in drug development, distribution and reimbursement, National Academies report says, while also seeking broad policies like HHS direct negotiation for drug prices in Medicare.

Senate Finance confirmation hearing concluded without a vote on Xavier Becerra’s nomination as Health and Human Services Department secretary. Republicans continued to express concerns with his background and views. But he is expected to win enough votes to clear the committee.

‘We need the pharmaceutical industry … to always feel we’ve got their back to innovate,’ Becerra tells Senate Committee. ‘But we have to ensure that we’re getting our dollars’ worth.’