Moves to rein in drug costs.

DRUGS & economics; PHARMACEUTICAL industry & economics; GENERIC drugs; BUSINESS; COST control; DERMATOLOGY; HEALTH services accessibility; MARKETING; MEDICAL care costs; MEDICARE; MEDICAL societies; PATENTS; UNITED States. Food & Drug Administration; DRUG approval; ECONOMICS

The article focuses on the task of controlling high drug costs. Strategies to help control prices of dermatology and other medications are discussed. In a position paper, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) suggests that transparency in insurance coverage policies for special brand name and generic drugs is important to remove stumbling blocks to patients' access to affordable treatments. The AADA also advocates fairness in step therapy, prior authorization and transparency.