Don't Worry Investors, Hillary Can't Change Drug Pricing As President

Hillary Clinton tweeted that "price gouging" in the specialty drug market is "outrageous."

Terry Haines of Evercore ISI commented in a note that there is "almost no chance" of a president legislating drug pricing regulation.

An appeal by Democratic candidate to "control" or "gauge" drug pricing should be expected.

Daraprim, a drug to treat toxoplasmosis (a parasite infection that can cause serious or life-threatening problems for babies born to women who become infected during pregnancy) will now cost $750 a tablet.

This may be concerning to some in light of last week's price tag per tablet coming in at $13.50.

Daraprim was acquired in August by Turing Pharmaceuticals, a start-up firm that is run by a former hedge fund manager, Martin Shkreli.

Related Link: Biotechs Are Getting Killed Because Of Hillary Clinton's Response To This Drug Price Hike

Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton took to Twitter on Monday in response to Turing's price hike, hinting that she could unveil a plan to regulate drug pricing as part of her campaign.

Price gouging like this in the specialty drug market is outrageous. Tomorrow I'll lay out a plan to take it on. -H https://t.co/9Z0Aw7aI6h

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) September 21, 2015

Analyst's Response

Terry Haines, Evercore ISI's senior political strategist and head of political analysis, commented in a note following Clinton's tweet that he sees "almost no chance" that a 2017 Democratic president could successfully legislate drug pricing regulation.

"The difference between a candidate of either party talking about any policy initiative during 2015 primaries and his or her ability to make that legislative change happen in 2017 or beyond should be kept well in mind," Haines wrote.

"Regardless of what any Democratic candidate says about drug pricing, his or her ability to make that a reality as president is close to zero."

Haines' Forecast

Haines continued that Clinton (along with all candidates) continuously try to "one-up" each other on policy proposals, as Clinton apparently will do against Independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. The analyst suggested that Clinton needs to "chip away" at the Democratic base's interest in and support of Sanders, while a "soft message" on drug pricing "won't sell with them."

Regardless, Haines stated that Clinton's "real and persistent" troubles make it "less likely" now than a few months ago of her returning to the White House in 2017 as president. Nevertheless, a 2017 House will likely remain Republican and would oppose any legislation to regulate drug prices.

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