Remembering the Life of Patient for Affordable Drugs Founder David Mitchell
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Patients for Affordable Drugs announced the passing of its founder, David Mitchell, at 75.
Public Citizen’s Access to Medicines Director Peter Maybarduk issued the following statement:
“David Mitchell understood that affordability is a fight and that patients must stand up. He organized patients across disease areas, as had not been done before, rejecting pharma funding, to criticize high prices and work with policymakers for lasting change.
“This rise of organized, independent patient voices, challenging Big Pharma to make medicine affordable, is one of the most important developments in health of the past ten years. It has contributed greatly to the remarkable, lifesaving legislative victories and progress of this time. We are grateful for David’s leadership and example.
“Together, we have far to go to ensure affordable access for all. But today, different from when David entered the field, Big Pharma is on the defensive. Every politician must now answer the question, “How will you make medicine affordable?” That owes in part to David’s vision. We are heartened that this vision thrives at Patients for Affordable Drugs, in the patient community, and across this movement to ensure everyone, everywhere has access to the medicine they need.”