Study finds 10% of prescription drugs linked to support programs sponsored by pharma companies

The study found expensive drugs were much more likely to have a patient support program compared to lower-cost drugs. Researchers say one concern is that support programs funded by drug companies may not align with the best interests of patients and that it’s often difficult to assess the programs because information on their operations or outcomes isn’t publicly available. Evidence shows patient support programs are used to encourage use of a company’s drug. The study calls for greater transparency of patient support programs to understand their scope and impact.