(St. Paul, MN) – As co-chair of the Advisory Task Force on Lowering Pharmaceutical Drug Prices, Senator Scott Jensen (R-Chaska) joined Attorney General Keith Ellison on Wednesday to present their report on reducing drug prices.

“I was honored to serve as co-chair of this council,” said Senator Jensen. “Our process has combined the engagement of public stakeholders along with elected leaders and everyday Minnesotans. I believe this cross section of people has provided numerous potent ideas which can solve real problems involving the rising cost of prescription drugs.”

A useful tool for many industrialized nations to control the cost of prescription drugs is through the establishment of upper payment limits. This approach is incorporated into the prescription drug affordability commission bill, and the task force recommended this bill to the legislature for discussion.

The report also unveils various corporate strategies to extend patent protection for their products through pay-for-delay arrangements with potential competitors and this was roundly condemned by committee members.

The task force recommended pursuing any available pathways for regulation of television advertisements promoting expensive prescription drugs.

“The development of this report can sharpen the legislative focus in understanding the nature of problems requiring solution and will serve as a valuable reference,” Senator Jensen concluded.