[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 144 (Wednesday, July 26, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45998-45999]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-18924]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Investigation 332-419]


Pricing of Prescription Drugs

AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission.

ACTION: Institution of investigation.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 19, 2000.

SUMMARY: Following receipt of a request on June 29, 2000, from the 
Committee on Ways and Means (the Committee) of the United States House 
of Representatives, the Commission instituted investigation No. 332-
419, Pricing of Prescription Drugs, under section 332(g) of the Tariff 
Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1332(g)).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth R. Nesbitt, Project Leader 
(202-205-3355) or Raymond L. Cantrell, Deputy Project Leader (202-205-
3362), Office of Industries, or Michael Barry, Deputy Project Leader 
(202-205-3246), Office of Economics, U.S. International Trade 
Commission, Washington, DC 20436. For information on the legal aspects 
of this investigation, contact William Gearhart of the Office of the 
General Counsel (202-205-3091). Hearing impaired individuals are 
advised that information on this matter can be obtained by contacting 
the TDD terminal on (202) 205-1810.

BACKGROUND: The Committee requested that the Commission's report 
include the following information for Canada, France, Germany, Italy, 
Japan, Mexico, Russia, and the United Kingdom:
     The process by which prescription drug prices are 
established;
     The role of compulsory licensing in setting prices;
     A description of the costs associated with the development 
of prescription drugs, and a comparison of the authorized prices in the 
specified countries; and
     Whether and to what extent price control systems utilized 
by such countries impact pricing for comparable drugs in the United 
States.
    The Commission plans to submit its report to the Committee by 
September 29, 2000.

[[Page 45999]]

    Written Submissions: A hearing will not be held. Instead, 
interested parties are invited to submit written statements (original 
and 14 copies) concerning the matters to be addressed by the Commission 
in its report on this investigation. In addition to general information 
regarding prices and pricing practices prevalent in each of the 
countries under consideration, the Commission is particularly 
interested in comments regarding the question raised by the Committee 
in their request regarding the extent to which price control systems 
utilized by the countries under consideration impact pricing for 
comparable drugs in the United States. Commercial or financial 
information that a person desires the Commission to treat as 
confidential must be submitted on separate sheets of paper, each 
clearly marked ``Confidential Business Information'' at the top. All 
submissions requesting confidential treatment must conform with the 
requirements of Sec. 201.6 of the Commission's rules of practice and 
procedure (19 CFR 201.6). All written submissions must conform with the 
provisions of Sec. 201.8 of the Commission's Rules. All written 
submissions, except for confidential business information, will be made 
available in the Office of the Secretary of the Commission for 
inspection by interested parties. To be assured of consideration by the 
Commission, written statements relating to the Commission's report 
should be submitted to the Commission at the earliest practical date 
and should be received no later than the close of business on August 4, 
2000. All submissions should be addressed to the Secretary, United 
States International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 
20436. The Commission's rules do not authorize filing submissions with 
the Secretary by facsimile or electronic means.
    Persons with mobility impairments who will need special assistance 
in gaining access to the Commission should contact the Office of the 
Secretary at 202-205-2000. General information concerning the 
Commission may also be obtained by accessing its Internet server 
(http://www.usitc.gov).
    List of Subjects: Prescription drugs, Price controls, Compulsory 
licensing.

    Dated: July 21, 2000.

    By order of the Commission.
Donna R. Koehnke,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 00-18924 Filed 7-25-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020-02-P