Pfizer considers funding

Under proposals being discussed in Tallahassee, FL, US, Pfizer would establish education and disease-monitoring programmes and give away prescription drugs to low-income Floridians instead of paying the state rebates on Medicaid prescriptions.

A bill passed by the state legislature, that has yet to be signed by the state governor Jeb Bush, would require drug companies to give rebates to help control rocketing prescription drug costs. The state expects to spend more than US$2bn in drugs for low-income Floridians this year.

If the proposals are agreed, Pfizer drugs would be listed ona restricted list and hence avoid the mandatory Medicaid rebate.