Bill · S. 832· Senate(119-S-832)
EPIC Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 3/4/2025
- Last activity
- 3/4/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- Thomas Tillis
- Cosponsors
- - 7 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures Act of 2025," aims to change how the Drug Price Negotiation Program handles different types of drugs. It specifically seeks to amend title XI of the Social Security Act. The primary goal is to equalize the negotiation period between small-molecule drugs and biologic candidates. The changes involve adjusting the amount of time that must elapse since drug approval before negotiations can occur.
Yes
Would business owners be better off under this?+3
The bill extends the period of market exclusivity for small-molecule drug manufacturers, benefiting pharmaceutical companies.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+2
Protecting drug exclusivity for a longer period may provide more stable revenue streams to support pharmaceutical research and development.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Does this lower the price of prescription medicines?-3
Extending the time before negotiations can occur delays the reduction of drug prices for consumers and the government.
Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65?-2
The bill delays the price negotiation process for small-molecule drugs, which reduces the potential savings for Medicare.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
By delaying the start of drug price negotiations, the bill reduces the speed at which the government can lower drug costs through the negotiation program.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Longer protection for certain drugs: By increasing the required time elapsed since approval to at least 11 years for years starting in 2028, the bill provides a longer period before price negotiations begin. This applies to the amendment of section 1192(e)(1)(A)(ii) of the Social Security Act.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the text: The provided text focuses on the legislative changes to the negotiation timeline and does not list any specific negative consequences or burdens.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Reduces Prescription Drug Costs-3Increases Medicare Funding-2
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+3Good For Low Income Households-2Good For Seniors-2
- 4/29/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 4/10/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/4/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Marsha BlackburnRepublican · Tennessee
Jim BanksRepublican · Indiana
Ted BuddRepublican · North Carolina
John CurtisRepublican · Utah
Steve DainesRepublican · Montana
James LankfordRepublican · Oklahoma
Roger MarshallRepublican · Kansas