Minnesota State Wire

After PhRMA, a U.S. drug industry trade association, sued Minnesota for trying to overturn a law that would make insulin makers provide free emergency supply, Sen. Paul Gazelka and other state senators released statements in response to the lawsuit, according to a press release from the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus. 

“We are very disappointed with the drug manufacturers’ lawsuit against the Alec Smith Act after so much work went into a compromise bill assuring no Minnesotan would have to go without insulin,” Senate Majority Leader Gazelka (R-East Gull Lake) said in the press release. “Senate Republicans remain committed to providing emergency insulin for those in crisis no matter what happens with this poorly timed lawsuit.”

Sen. Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake), chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, was also disappointed to hear of the lawsuit from PhRMA. 

“I am disappointed that PhRMA has decided to file a lawsuit against Minnesota’s insulin affordability program. The program ensures safe and affordable insulin is readily available to all Minnesotans in need," Benson said in the press release. “PhRMA is missing the mark by wasting time and money on this lawsuit. Minnesotans would be far better off if the pharmaceutical industry would focus on fairness in pricing. All Minnesotans want to be treated fairly.”