knowledge -WSS

knowledge

author：knowledge 2025-09-27 12:48:41 - browse：21

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders sets his hands on two chairs as two people set up a board displaying a "price of drugs" chart behind him — politics coverage from STAT — Sen. Bernie Sanders has used his leadership of a Senate committee to pressure drugmakers to lower their prices. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

WASHINGTON — Bernie Sanders is figuring out just how far bullying drugmakers can take him.

For more than a year, Sanders has used his perch atop the Senate health committee to haul the CEOs of pharmaceutical companies that make insulin, vaccines, and more before the panel with progressively more ambitious demands related to their pricing. After a few victories he’s claimed — experts say some credit is deserved, but the full story is a bit more complicated — he’s now progressed to demanding that Novo Nordisk cut its price for its novel, wildly popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs.

Sanders (I-Vt.) is testing the limits of the powers of a Senate chairman with little hope of advancing his policy agenda legislatively. He’s threatened subpoenas, held a prominent nominee hostage, and initiated investigations to get his way. It’s a sharp departure from the modest, bipartisan ambitions that more disciplined, discreet leaders of the committee have taken in years past, and sets the bar for how much can be accomplished using the full extent of the bully pulpit.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+.

Already have an account? Log in

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$30

for 3 months, then $39/month

$30 for 3 months Get Started

Then $39/month

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

Get unlimited access to award-winning journalism and exclusive events.

Subscribe Log In

Previous article： Activists slam private health insurers over coverage restrictions
Next article： White House drug czar issues call for 'recovery

hotspot

leisure time

WSS

White House drug czar issues call for 'recovery

Readout Newsletter: Novo Nordisk trial, Verve base editing, etc

Cancer diagnosis changes perspective doctor, former hospital CEO

Readout Newsletter: Ozempic panic wanes, Legend x Novartis, etc.

Medicare says breakthrough device reimbursement rule to come by summer

What is STAT's opinion section for?

leisure time

knowledge

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+.

explore

Heart attack and stroke risk calculators need revising

Medicare’s new pay boost for primary care is angering specialists

Biden outlines 'new path' to provide student loan relief after Supreme Court rejection

A letter from the executive editor: STAT UnitedHealth investigation

As demand for Covid shots wanes, Moderna seeks its next success

Ventyx halts psoriasis drug development after lackluster trial results

The cancer drug shortage isn’t new — and neither are the solutions

How state and local governments are sidelining science

Food as medicine: CMS rules hamper 'prescribing' of fruits, veggies

Study suggests Covid rebound is far more common with Paxlovid than without

focus

Weight loss drugs should be covered by insurers, AMA says

Study: People of West African ancestry at greater risk of cardiac amyloidosis

Readout LOUD Podcast: Lilly's obesity drug, the power of radiation

Weight loss drugs should be covered by insurers, AMA says

Telehealth startups turn to complex chronic diseases

Dairy farmers resist CDC push for PPE against bird flu virus

leisure time

hotspot

leisure time

hotspot