Biotechnology drugs—commonly called "biologics"—are revolutionizing treatments for cancer, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and other serious, chronic diseases. But there's a problem: The groundbreaking drugs are prohibitively expensive for many patients. What's being done to help them?

How Can We Cool Down Drug Prices?

From Inside E Street

Yet another health-care battle is heating up on Capitol Hill: Lawmakers are moving to control costs of the highest-priced drugs, biologics. Listen as AARP TV interviews key pharmaceutical researchers and policy makers.

A Proposal to Slash Medicare's Drug Costs

By Patricia Barry

A White House-brokered plan would ease the cost of going through the Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the "doughnut hole." If approved as part of health reform, this plan could save Part D beneficiaries millions on drugs, especially high-priced biologics.

A High-Stakes Drug Class That Saves Lives—and Complicates Them

By Mary A. Fischer

Biologics are giving renewed hope to thousands of patients with cancer and other devastating illnesses. But are the benefits worth the physical and financial risks?

More Hispanics in Need of 'Miracle Drugs'

By Ana Radelat

At least 400,000 Hispanic Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, and most are 50 or older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Biologics can help many people who suffer from this and other diseases.

Making Biologic Drugs Affordable

By Tamara Lytle

Congress is moving to allow generic alternatives to expensive biologic drugs, used to treat such chronic diseases as cancer and arthritis. At issue: How long until the drugs go generic?

Are Million-Dollar Meds
Busting Your Budget?

By Barbara Basler

Biologic drugs command prices 10 to 100 times higher than other prescription drugs, because the patients who take them have few alternatives. Consequently, patients who depend on biologics are struggling to pay for them.