From: Bruce Smith [b.alan@ix.netcom.com]
Sent: Monday, September 16, 2002 1:27 PM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: prescription drug prices

To whom it may concern:

I write you as a citizen who is concerned about prescription drug prices.  While some prescription drugs are reasonably priced other are obviously, even to a lay person, clearly priced way to high.  I have seen statistics which indicate that the pharmaceutical companies spend an incredible amount of money on marketing their products with no where near the money going to research and development.  While I know that marketing is a necessary thing for any business, the differences between the amounts being spent is shocking.  This must drive up the costs of much needed prescriptions dramatically and hinder efforts to make much needed advancements in drug development.  Some people don't have employer sponsored insurance!  Even for those that do, these skyrocketing prices have resulted in reduced benefits and made it so employees have to begin paying part of their own premiums which takes money out of the pocket.  I know that statistics can be manipulated on the issue for either side of an argument; however, I tend to believe what I have read.  Anyone who watches a T.V. could notice the increased amount of advertisements from the pharmaceutical industry.  While I recognize that the first amendment gives individuals the right to free speech, the good of the entire populace needs to be taken into account on an issue as important as drugs that people need for their health.  They need to be made affordable.    

I urge you to take what ever action is necessary to make prescription drugs affordable to the average American!

Bruce Smith - 34395 SE Duus Rd., M, Estacada, OR 97023