Los Angeles County and state partner for lower drug prices

California Gov. Gavin Newsom says the state will partner with Los Angeles County in its effort to bring down prescription drugs prices.

Earlier this year, the Democratic governor directed state agencies to begin buying drugs in bulk and using that leverage to negotiate lower prices.

The strategy remains in planning stages, with the first purchases not expected until later this year.

Los Angeles County, home to 10 million people, will now join that purchasing pool.

Newsom — in a visit to a rehabilitation center near Los Angeles — said patients and taxpayers are being gouged by soaring drug prices driven by corporate greed.

The governor projects the change in purchasing could ultimately save the state billions of dollars.