With his exit, Florida Rep. John Mica expressed his disdain with the former pharmaceutical CEO and said that he has never witnessed the congress to be treated with such contempt and disrespect.
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That image seemed to be cemented at the Congressional hearing on drug pricing since he answered every question the same way; actually refusing to answer by pleading the 5th Amendment, rolling his eyes and smirking. He pointed out that the proceeding was just about an “advertisement” for the lawmakers.
On Thursday, Shkreli walked into the packed hearing room well before the session began and met the crush of cameras. The New York Times reported that his Shkreli’s company increased the price of the decades-old drug fiftyfold overnight.
But some lawmakers came well prepared to reject such claims.
Martin “Pharma Bro” Shkreli, whether we like it or not, has strong ties to the music industry and is seemingly adamant on staying relevant.
With Shkreli mum, it was up to Turing’s Nancy Retzlaff to defend the Daraprim price rise.
Shkreli diverted from his scripted answer rarely – like when Gowdy asked if he pronounced Shkreli’s name correctly.
Chaffetz then dived right into an ethical argument. Brafman said Wednesday that Shkreli would no longer give media interviews, but that hasn’t stopped the former drug executive from taking to Twitter and other channels to make his feelings known. He said, “He’s never been in this position before and it’s a regrettable choice of words”. The members who questioned him Thursday were aware of that and made the most of it, peppering him with innocuous questions in full knowledge that he couldn’t answer anything without ceding his right against self-incrimination. That one didn’t incriminate you.
When Rep. Trey Gowdy of SC encouraged him to talk, Shrekli replied, “I intend to follow the advice of my counsel, and not yours”. Shkreli worked in hedge funds before starting two drug companies.
“When all of the facts about Daraprim and Turing are ultimately disclosed, I think everyone will recognize that Mr. Shkreli is not a villain”.
Only one question remains: When will Cher get involved?
Late last month, Shkreli posted a weird video calling out Ghostface Killah of Wu Tang Clan.
Chaffetz immediately shut him down. “No, you are not recognized and you will be seated”. Cummings, attributing them to Shkreli, boiled over.
Cummings: Honestly, I didn’t even know if you would show up today, so it’s nice to see you.
Shkreli reportedly spent $US2 million purchasing a one-of-a-kind secret album from the Wu-Tang Clan.
Documents from Valeant and Turing show they have made a practice of buying and then dramatically raising prices for, low-cost drugs given to patients with life-threatening conditions including heart disease, AIDS and cancer, according to excerpts released this week by the House panel. You are in a unique position, really you are. “All I ask is that you reflect on it. No, I don’t ask, I beg that you reflect on it”. But I’m very serious.
Shkreli’s smirk had turned into a full-on grin. “I truly believe you can be a tremendous force for good”, CNBC reported.
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And with that, Shkreli was dismissed, and the hearing went on.
