Maybe the U.S. is finally serious about lowering drug prices

David Mitchell is a man with a mission. He is determined to stitch together a movement that will finally smash the power of the pharmaceutical industry and bring pocketbook relief to millions of Americans who need expensive drugs.

Mitchell, a 68-year-old former Washington communications executive, was diagnosed eight years ago with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer. Until recently, the disease has been held in check by drugs costing $325,000 a year. Medicare and a good Medigap policy have covered most of the expense.

In 2016 Mitchell said he began to think about others who had sky-high drug exp...