http://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-expands-lawsuit-against-pharma-companies-over-generic-drug-price
OLYMPIA — A wide-ranging antitrust investigation by Attorney General Bob Ferguson and 45 other attorneys general has uncovered even more involvement in an alleged generic drug price-fixing conspiracy.
The states today asked a federal court to expand their pending complaint, increasing the number of drug companies named from six to 18, and the number of affected drugs from two to 15. The states allege the companies violated antitrust laws to artificially inflate the prices of the drugs, and agreed to divvy up the market for the drugs to reduce competition. Some of the drugs increased in price by more than 1,000 percent.
“I hold powerful interests accountable when they don’t play by the rules,” Ferguson said. “That includes drug companies that conspire to fix prices, costing potentially thousands of Washingtonians in need of medication.”
The request to file an amended complaint was filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Previously, the suit named generic drug manufacturers Heritage Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc.; Citron Pharma, LLC; Mayne Pharma (USA), Inc.; Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; and Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. as defendants.
The states are seeking to expand the complaint to include Actavis Holdco U.S., Inc.; Actavis Pharma, Inc.; Ascend Laboratories, LLC; Apotex Corp.; Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Inc.; Emcure Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.; Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Lannett Company, Inc.; Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc.; Sandoz, Inc.; Sun Pharmaceutical Industries,Inc.; and Zydus Pharmacuticuals (USA), Inc.
Generic drugs, which enter the market after a name-brand drug manufacturer loses its exclusive patent rights, offer the prospect of lower prices and greater access to prescriptions for U.S. consumers. For drugs that attract a large number of generic manufacturers, competition between them can decrease the average price by 80 percent or more, compared to brand-name alternatives.
As a result, generic drugs save consumers and the health care industry tens of billions of dollars annually. In 2015, generic drug sales in the United States were estimated at $74.5 billion, and the generic pharmaceutical industry accounts for approximately 88 percent of all prescriptions written in the United States.
In July 2014, the state of Connecticut initiated an investigation, later joined by the other states, into suspicious price increases of certain generic pharmaceuticals — in some cases by up to 1,000 percent or more.
The investigation found evidence of direct conversation between drug company executives and marketing and sales executives through in-person meetings, phone calls, text messages and emails over several years, in which they discussed efforts to fix and maintain prices, allocate markets and reduce competition for a number of generic drugs.
For example, Heritage Pharmaceuticals attempted to negotiate a 200 percent price increase for a diabetes medication.
Generic drugs whose prices had increased by more than 100 percent accounted for more than $500 million in Medicaid drug reimbursements between June of 2013 and June of 2014.
The lawsuit also alleges that the companies knew their conduct was illegal, as they often avoided communicating with each other in writing, and, in some instances, intentionally deleted written communications and text messages.
The original complaint, filed Dec. 14, 2016, alleged the companies entered into illegal conspiracies in order to unreasonably restrain trade, artificially inflate and manipulate prices and reduce competition in the United States for two drugs: doxycycline hyclate delayed release, an antibiotic, and glyburide, an oral diabetes medication.
WEEKLY AGRICULTURAL REPORT
News from the USDA:RIPEning the Possibility of a Food Secure Future
USDA BLOG POST 11/ 3/ 17
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/11/03/ripening-possibility-food-secure-future
The UN recently released a report stating that world hunger is once again on the rise, with 815 million people now hungry. That is roughly two and a half times the population of the United States. To this end, the UN lists “zero hunger” near the top of its list of Sustainable Development Goals , only behind “no poverty” at number one.
The October 2017 Borlaug Dialogue, held every year in conjunction with World Food Prize Week, focused on agriculture as “the road out of poverty.” This year’s World Food Prize Winner, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina , has dedicated his life’s mission to uplifting millions out of poverty through agriculture, good nutrition and education.
The USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is committed to doing its part to find economically viable applications and discoveries that will strengthen communities and lead to a food-secure world. Among such efforts is the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE) project, a collaboration between ARS’s Global Change and Photosynthesis Research Unit and the University of Illinois.
The RIPE team simulated the 170-step process of photosynthesis and used computer models to identify potential pipelines for increasing photosynthetic efficiency. Last year, the team published a study in Science that demonstrated an approach in tobacco for increasing crop productivity by about 15 percent. Other work conducted by the team is suggesting the potential for even greater improvements.
ARS recently celebrated a $45 million, five-year reinvestment in the RIPE project from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (after a $25 million investment in 2012), the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, and the U.K. Department for International Development.
Moving forward, the RIPE team will carry out tests on cowpeas, cassava and soybeans. Increasing yields in these crops is critical for increasing food security, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Nearly 750 million of the 815 million hungry people in the world live in these areas.
In the words of Dr. Adesina, “It is science that feeds people.” The work of ARS scientists goes a long way in helping farmers in the United States and around the globe increase the profitability and sustainability of food, feed, fiber and fuel production.
New Infographic Spreads the Word about Butter Grading
USDA BLOG POST Dated 11/ 1/ 17
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/11/01/new-infographic-spreads-word-about-butter-grading
It’s the time of year when many of us start thinking about holiday baking and cooking.
Whether it’s roasting a turkey with all the trimmings for Thanksgiving dinner or batches of cookies and other baked goods to share with loved ones, butter is often a key ingredient in our favorite recipes.
Butter is made by churning—or stirring—milk or cream until it reaches a semisolid state and is separated from buttermilk. By law, butter must be at least 80 percent butterfat. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS), each person in the United States consumed about 5.7 pounds of butter in 2016.
Today, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is releasing a new infographic that gives you a snapshot about butter grading, types and uses.
For example, did you know that there are 30 USDA butter graders across the country who typically taste about 200 samples of butter each week to ensure the quality of this dairy product, which USDA has graded since 1919.
So, if you plan to use butter in your recipes, this infographic will give you a quick look at the various types of butter—salted, unsalted, whipped and clarified—and suggest how best to store butter until you need it.
USDA Invests $2.5 Billion in Rural Electric Infrastructure
Press release dated 11/ 2/ 17
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2017/11/02/usda-invests-25-billion-rural-electric-infrastructure
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2017 – Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that USDA is investing $2.5 billion in rural electric infrastructure improvements to help create jobs and support economic development in 27 states.
“These significant investments will help develop and maintain modern, reliable electric infrastructure that businesses and rural communities need in a 21st Century economy,” Perdue said. “The loans I am announcing today will help utilities and cooperatives build new transmission and distribution lines, upgrade networks and facilities, and better manage the power grid.”
The funding will support infrastructure improvements in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. The loans are being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Electric Program, which is the successor to the Rural Electrification Administration.
“We are extremely pleased that USDA is making such a major investment in rural development and infrastructure through new loans to America’s electric cooperatives,” said Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. “USDA is an important partner helping us illuminate rural America and empower the communities we serve. That partnership is critical to co-ops’ ability to maintain, expand and improve rural electric infrastructure.”
One of the USDA awards is an $18.3 million loan to the Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative (Espanola, N.M.) to build 58 miles, improve 28 miles of line and make other system improvements. Jemez will use $7 million for smart grid improvements.
In Oregon, the Harney Electric Cooperative is receiving an $11.7 million USDA loan to build 53 miles of line and make other system improvements. The Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative in Portola, Calif., will receive a $14.2 million loan to improve 44 miles of transmission and distribution line, build one mile and make other system improvements.
The Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative in Dade City, Fla., is receiving a $130 million loan to build 297 miles, improve 66 miles of line and make other system improvements. The loan includes $1.4 million for smart grid projects.
Smart grid includes technological enhancements such as metering, substation automation, computer applications, two-way communications and geospatial information systems to help utilities increase the reliability and efficiency of electric power systems. Today’s loans include $127 million for smart grid projects.
Three North Carolina companies – Gamble Solar, LLC; Wadesboro Solar; and Salisbury Solar – are receiving a total of $14.1 million to build solar photovoltaic energy farms in various parts of the state.
Today’s announcement comes as another electric project that USDA helped support nears completion. Later this month, O2 emc, a North Carolina firm, will complete a solar project that has provided a local investment of more than $6 million in rural, southwest Virginia. The project has been a significant boost to the area’s economy, particularly for the local steel fabrication company. More than 80 percent of people who work at the 16-acre solar project live within a 30-mile radius. Many workers have acquired new skills that will allow them to create careers in the rapidly expanding solar energy industry. The project created work for more than 100 area residents during its construction phase. By early next year, it will create enough electricity to power more than 500 homes.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; homeownership; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
AT THE STATE LEVEL
WSDA: Gypsy moth catches at 20-year high in Washington
Press release issued 11/ 2/ 17
https://agr.wa.gov/news/2017/NR2017-11-02GypsyMothTrappingResults.aspx
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) trapped 117 male gypsy moths this year in its annual trapping program – the highest number caught in traps since 1995.
In addition to the moths caught in traps, for the first time in state history, WSDA also identified an infestation of actively reproducing gypsy moths in Pierce County. The infestation included live female moths and dozens of gypsy moth egg masses. This site is also believed to be the source of 83 of the 117 male gypsy moths caught in WSDA’s usual trapping.
In addition to the Pierce County infestation, another concentration of catches also occurred in Kitsap County.
The next step is for WSDA’s pest program to complete egg mass surveys, which provide data necessary to propose an eradication project. Of greatest concern is the high number of gypsy moth catches in Pierce and Kitsap counties, which WSDA will need to address next spring.
WSDA last conducted an eradication in 2016, when more than 10,000 acres were treated. No gypsy moths were caught in any of the 2016 eradication zones this year or last. The 2016 treatment for European gypsy moths in the Capitol Hill area has been determined to be a success based on the lack of catches. The remaining 2016 treatment areas were for the eradication of Asian gypsy moths and thus require one more year of trapping before those areas can be declared eradicated.
Gypsy moth is the most destructive invasive pest to be introduced to American forests. Last year in New England, where the moths are now permanently established, millions of acres of trees were totally defoliated and thousands of acres of trees were killed by gypsy moths.
The outbreak back East likely contributed to the increase in gypsy moths found in Washington. European gypsy moths are usually brought into the state by people moving to Washington from infested areas with egg masses on their belongings.
LOCAL MEETINGS AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS:
CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSION MEETINGS:
Clallam County work session agenda highlight items:
1) Resolution confirming appointments and designating individuals for the Washington Counties Risk Pool
2) Interagency Agreement with Washington State Department of Corrections for the use of the Clallam Bay-Sekiu Sewer District Sekiu Outfall
3) Notice of Hearing for the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program 2018-2023
(See full agenda)
Regular County Commission meeting agenda highlight items:
1) Local Agency Agreement and Project Prospectus with Washington State Department of Transportation for Countywide Safety Project-Guardrail
2) EXECUTIVE SESSION - November 8, 2017 at 1 p.m.
The Human Resources Department has requested an executive session with the Board of County Commissioners, the Administrator and outside legal counsel representing the County. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss with retained legal counsel representing the County, matters relating to Collective Bargaining.
Discussion such matters in executive session is appropriate because public knowledge of the discussion would reveal the County’s legal strategies and likely result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the County. RCW 42.30.140 (4)(a) expressly authorizes a governing body to convene an executive session for the above-described purposed.
The Board may recess into Executive Session to consider employment or dismissal of personnel, to review the performance of a public employee, to consult with legal counsel, to consider the position to be taken in collective bargaining, to consider acquisition or sale of real estate, or other matters per RCW 42.30.110
3) Proclamation honoring all Veterans, the volunteers who assist them, and recognizing November 11 as Veterans’ Day
(See full agenda)
CITY OF PORT ANGELES AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
1) Property Tax Levy for 2018 / Open Public Hearing / Conduct First Readings / Continue to November 21st
Note: The ordinance and resolution are presented jointly. The ordinance should be open to a public hearing. A public hearing is not required to adopt the resolution.
In accordance with state law, the 2018 Preliminary Budget was filed with the City Clerk on October 13, 2017. In addition, a presentation of estimated 2018 Revenues was provided to Council at a public hearing on October 17th This is the first public hearing related to the overall 2018 budget, which will focus on property taxes. State law requires that the City levy property taxes before November 30 each year. The
property tax ordinance is scheduled for adoption at the November 21st Council meeting.
2) Assumption of the Port Angeles Transportation Benefit District
Summary: In April 2017, the City established the Port Angeles Transportation Benefit District
(PATBD), a separate entity. After a TBD is formed, state law authorizes the City to assume it, which eliminates the separate entity. Cities assume TBDs because doing so creates a more efficient administration procedure, eliminates duplicative administrative costs and efforts, and provides more open reporting and accountability for all taxes collected and spent. There are several steps the City Council must take in order for the City to assume the PATBD.
The City Council’s next step, the first having already been accomplished, is to consider the assumption at the scheduled public hearing and hear those appearing and all protests and objections. If, after receiving testimony, the City Council determines that assuming the PATBD would satisfy the public interest or welfare, the final step is for the City Council to declare that to be its intent and assume the PATBD by ordinance or resolution.
3) Wave Franchise Extension of Time Ordinance and PAPA Contract Extension
Summary: The existing franchise to operate a cable television system inside the City was granted in 2002. It was subsequently assigned to Wave Division III, LLC (Wave). On April 18, 2017, City Council amended the Franchise to extend the expiration date from May 21, 2017 to
November 21, 2017 to allow additional time for negotiations between the City and Wave. The City and Wave are continuing negotiations on a franchise renewal. The parties agree it is reasonably certain that a new franchise will be complete and ready for approval on or before May 21, 2018. Therefore, to allow the negotiations to continue, City and Wave recommend the term of the existing franchise be extended six months.
(See full agenda)
PORT OF PORT ANGELES MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS:
1) Letter to BNR on Long term conservation strategy on Marbled Murrelet
The Port of Port Angeles’s 2015-2020 Strategic Plan identifies the important target of achieving a reliable and sustainable timber harvest. Port Commissioners, staff and Clallam County community members started a focused effort on attending Board of
Natural Resources (BNR) board meetings since mid-year 2016. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the Alternatives for Establishment of the Sustainable Harvest Level and Long-Term Conservation Strategy for the Marbled Murrelet (LTCSMM) were issued in December of 2016. Harvest levels in Clallam County could be significantly impacted by BNR’s decisions on the harvest levels and marbled murrelet conservation strategy. Substantial testimony has been provided to BNR on the Board’s fiduciary duty to trustee beneficiaries and on potential impacts to Clallam County jobs.
2) Request for Access to Dept. of Revenue Data on Businesses
Commissioner McAleer, Port staff, SBDC Director Kevin Hoult and Clallam County Commissioners and staff have been discussing the need for better access to data to assess local growth and decline trends of our local economy. Many of the jobs in Clallam County are independent businesses with few if any employees.
Learning more about the total number of existing and new businesses will provide insight into an important part of our local economy. Employment Security Department (ESD) only provides information on employees, not independent business owners or contractors.
The Port worked with SBDC to request access to Department of Revenue (DOR) data on existing businesses in Clallam County but was denied access since the Port is not a municipality.
DOR provides info to municipalities if the municipality issues their own business license fee and/or a separate Business and Occupation (B&O) tax because the state also issues business licenses and collects a B&O tax. Clallam county, nor any of our three cities charge an additional B&O tax so no entities in
Clallam receive information regarding the total revenues within any industry classification. There is an annual American Community Survey that provides general industry information but the sampling size of an industry is typical small in a rural county, so the information is not released due to confidentiality matters of individual businesses.
Additionally, the American Community Survey data is based on a survey of only 2% of all businesses within a county. This can easily result in inaccurate data. Another limitation of the survey data is that it is typically 2 years old when it is released.
3) 2018 Tax Levy – Resolution No
A RESOLUTION OF THE PORT COMMISSION OF THE PORT OF
PORT ANGELES AUTHORIZING PROPERTY TAX LEVY
WHEREAS, the Port Commission of the Port of Port Angeles has met and considered its budget for the calendar year 2018; and,
WHEREAS, the Port district’s actual levy amount from the previous year was $1,470,969.69; and
WHEREAS, the population of the Port district is more than 10,000.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Port Commission that an
increase in the regular property tax levy is hereby authorized for the levy to be collected in the 2018 tax year.
The dollar amount of the increase over the actual levy amount from the previous year shall be $-0- which is a percent increase of -0-% from the previous year. This increase is exclusive of additional revenue resulting from new construction, improvements to property, newly constructed wind turbines, any increase in the value of state assessed property, and any annexations that have occurred and refunds made.
ADOPTED by the Port Commission of the Port of Port Angeles, at a
Commission Meeting held this 21st day of November, 2017.
ADOPTED by the Port Commission of the Port of Port Angeles, at a
Commission meeting thereof held this 21st day of November, 2017.
(See full agenda)
OTHER LOCAL AND REGIONAL MEETINGS...
PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEM
Ordinance 3188 Fixing and Adopting 2018 Property Tax Levies for the General Levy with a Total Increase of One Percent (1.00%) and for the Emergency Medical Services Levy an Increase of Approximately Four and 9/10 Percent (4.90%) and a Voter-Approved Tax Levy for the Mountain View Commons Capital Improvements of $.10050 per $1,000 of Assessed Property Value
Action: Move to approve first reading of Ordinance 3188 Fixing and Adopting 2018 Property Tax Levies for the General Levy with a Total Increase of One Percent (1.00%) and for the Emergency Medical Services Levy an Increase of Approximately Four and 9/10 Percent (4.90%) and a Voter-Approved Tax Levy for the Mountain View Commons Capital Improvements of $.10050 per $1,000 of Assessed Property Value.
(see full agenda)
OMC MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT
Financial Update for Third Quarter 2017 – Darryl Wolfe, Chief Financial Officer
HEADLINE NEWS FROM REUTERS...
Syria deal may be on agenda for Putin-Trump Asia meeting: report
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump may discuss a Syria settlement at an Asian economic summit in Vietnam next week, the RIA news agency reported on Saturday.
Lebanese PM Hariri resigns, attacking Iran, Hezbollah
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon’s prime minister Saad al-Hariri resigned on Saturday, saying he believed there was an assassination plot against him and accusing Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah of sowing strife in the Arab world.
Zimbabwe court upholds charge against U.S. citizen accused of subversion
HARARE (Reuters) - A Zimbabwean court on Saturday refused to strike down subversion charges against an American citizen who now faces 11 days in a Harare jail until her next court hearing.
New York marathoners undaunted by deadly truck attack
NEW YORK (Reuters) - This week’s deadly truck attack in New York could not deter blind Japanese runner Toshiaki Ito from joining 50,000 fellow competitors in the city’s marathon this Sunday.
No prison for U.S. Army deserter Bergdahl, who Trump wanted dead
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (Reuters) - U.S. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl on Friday was spared prison for endangering his comrades in arms when he deserted in Afghanistan in 2009, a sentence swiftly condemned by President Donald Trump, who while seeking election had called for his execution.
New York City police say gathering evidence for possible Weinstein arrest warrant
(Reuters) - The New York City Police Department said on Friday that it had a credible narrative from an unidentified woman who has made a rape allegation against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and was gathering evidence for a possible arrest warrant.
Daily Bible Verse: who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
2 Corinthians 3:6 NKJV
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