In 2017, Maryland enacted a new law targeting generic drug makers and the “price gouging” of consumers. The law prohibited “unconscionable” price increases for generic drugs and gave the Maryland attorney general the power to order an explanation from the manufacturers behind significant price increase. The law was nullified in April 2018, when an appeals court determined the bill regulated commerce beyond Maryland borders. Despite the setback, AG Frosh continued to work tirelessly to appeal the ruling and petitioned all the way up to the Supreme Court to review and overturn the lower court decision.

Ultimately, the Supreme Court declined to review the appeal, but that has not stopped Frosh. He has teamed up with advocacy groups and is pushing legislation to establish a Prescription Affordability Board, a statewide pricing initiative that will set payment levels for drugs. Across the country, drug makers oppose most state drug pricing legislation, deploying scores of lobbyists to state capitals to destroy or water down reforms. Despite fierce opposition from pharmaceutical manufacturers, Frosh is tirelessly pushing legislature to improve the affordability of essential drugs for patients and consumers.

Real reform takes time, concentration, and a willingness to stand up for what’s right. AG Frosh is a shining example of what it means to be a patient advocate. For these reasons, Patients For Affordable Drugs is naming Frosh a hero, encouraging him to keep up the fight to lower prescription drug prices.

Over the last few months, P4AD has honored FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, multiple sclerosis patient Victoria Stuessel, the former Administrator of CMS Andy Slavitt, metastatic breast cancer patient and advocate Becky Hall, Nevada State Senator Yvanna Cancela, T1International founder Elizabeth Rowley, Oregon State Senator Dennis Linthicum, dry eye patient and advocate Ann Neilson, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Crohn’s patient and advocate Leah Clark. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ohio multiple myeloma patient and advocate Bob Fowler.

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Patients For Affordable Drugs’ Price Fighting Heroes is a series highlighting advocates in the fight to lower prescription drug prices. We will honor patients, private sector leaders, policy makers, and elected officials who are advocating for patients and fighting for lower drug prices. In doing so, we hope to encourage others to join the fight and continue their good work. We plan to feature our heroes on our social media accounts and blog, lift up their stories in the media and honor them at an event in 2019. If you have someone you want to nominate as a hero, you can do so here.