SPRINGFIELD – To help combat recent reports of drug price gouging in Rockford, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) today voiced support of a proposal that will prohibit drug manufacturers and wholesale distributors from drastically increasing the price of generic medications.

Stadelman, who is a co-sponsor of House Bill 4099, was joined by colleagues from the Illinois House and Senate, as well as representatives from the NAACP and AARP.

According to recent news stories, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals Inc. increased the price of a vial of Acthar, a prescription to treat babies suffering from a rare seizure disorder, from $40 to $54,000 per vial. The city of Rockford, which is self-insured, was forced to pay nearly $490,000 when two babies of city employees needed the vital prescription.

“These drug companies are exploiting sick babies and their families,” Stadelman said. “As a result of these irresponsible actions by the drug company, Rockford taxpayers are forced to pay nearly half a million dollars that could have paid for crucial city projects. It’s time to put a stop to these reckless actions.”

Under the proposal, companies that increase prices of generic or off-patent drugs by more than 30 percent in one year, 50 percent in three years or 75 percent in five years, could be forced to pay a fine of $10,000 per violation. The legislation is currently in the Illinois Senate Subcommittee on Business Subcommittees.