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The Power of Biopharmaceutical Innovation

By Terry U. of Ohio

    photograph of Terry U., a colon cancer patient and voters for cures advocate from Ohio

    When I was diagnosed with colon cancer in my forties, my whole life changed. All it took was that one conversation to realize from that moment on, life as I knew it would be drastically different.

    My team of oncologists worked tirelessly with me to find the right treatments to navigate my diagnosis, manage my symptoms, and get me into remission. I am blessed to say that now over 25 years later, I am still cancer free. Thanks to our nation’s incredible biopharmaceutical researchers who work tirelessly to develop treatment options for patients like me, I am able to have a second chance at life.

    I am proud to share my survival journey and the importance of supporting policies that support cancer research so that everyone can have the same outcome as I did. And just a few weeks ago, I had the privilege of sharing my story with many of the researchers who seek to find the next generation of cures and treatments.

    Every year, PhRMA organizes an event where biopharmaceutical researchers come to DC to speak with members of Congress on the work they do and the importance of drug research and development. Before they made their way to Capitol Hill, I was given the honor to sit down with PhRMA’s Vice President of Public Affairs, Priscilla VanderVeer, and give attendees a personal, firsthand glimpse at how their work impacts patients—and why it is critical lawmakers protect it.

    Cancer Treatments Jeopardized by Government Price Setting

    They listened as I told them about my concerns over legislation that could threaten their work and ultimately harm cancer patients. Specifically, I raised the dangers of price-setting policies that could jeopardize access to care, and called out the anti-patient practices of greedy middleman known as pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

    I underscored that if lawmakers want to pursue real solutions to lower out-of-pocket costs for patients, they should turn to PBMs unfair practices, and avoid price-setting policies that could restrict research efforts. Patients like me rely on new clinical trials and medications, and lawmakers could strip that opportunity from us when they support government price-setting laws.

    I am confident that the conversations that took place at the event gave researchers a newfound drive to raise their concerns with lawmakers, and I am proud to have been a part of it.

    I look forward to the progress that comes from the discussions that took place on Capitol Hill, and I hope more biopharmaceutical scientists and patient advocates continue to raise their voices. 

    Thanks to our nation’s incredible biopharmaceutical researchers who work tirelessly to develop treatment options for patients like me, I am able to have a second chance at life.

    Terry U.
    Colon Cancer Survivor and Voters for Cures Advocate
    photograph of Terry U., a colon cancer patient and voters for cures advocate from Ohio

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