FTC Launches ‘Colonoscopy’ Into PBM Practices, Including Focus On Consumer Costs, Access

 
• By Cathy Kelly
  
Generate a summary of this article
Listen to this article
Beta

Study will examine how the six largest pharmacy benefit managers in the US handle 10 disease categories. Federal Trade Commissioners unanimously support inquiry after its scope was broadened from an earlier version that drew objections from Republicans.

FTC magnifying glass
Study Description Demonstrates FTC Interest In 'Trying To Get To The Bottom' Of Complaints Against PBMs • Source: Nielsen Hobbs; the Pink Sheet | Shutterstock images

The Federal Trade Commission is moving ahead with a comprehensive study into potentially anti-competitive practices by US pharmacy benefit managers by sending them compulsory orders seeking detailed information on rebate-driven formulary practices, their dealings with pharmacies and how they interact with affiliates, among other topics. The decision could be welcomed by the pharmaceutical industry, which has long tried to convince policymakers that PBMs are significant contributors to high drug prices. 

The order are going to CVS Health Corp., Express Scripts Holding Company, OptumRx Inc., Humana Inc....

Pink Sheet Podcast

Learn what's happening at the US FDA. On the go.

Derrick Gingery and the team bring you a weekly "Drug Fix".

SpotifyApple PodcastsWebsite

More from Pricing Debate

PS-MarketAccess (Premium-2): Why Financial Scammers Are So Successful Targeting Doctors

 
• By Nabil

Doctors are increasingly falling victim to financial scams due to their high incomes, busy schedules, and trust in professional networks. Recognizing the tactics scammers use and the reasons behind physicians’ susceptibility is essential for protecting medical professionals.

Senate Hearing On Ozempic, Wegovy Highlights Concerns About PBMs, International Price Disparities

 
• By Cathy Kelly

Senate HELP Committee chair Sanders trying to broker a deal between Novo Nordisk and the major pharmacy benefit managers that will lead to lower list prices.

‘Alternative' PBMs Say Vertical Integration Unfairly Carving Them Out Of The Game

 
• By Sarah Karlin-Smith

Alternatives to the top pharmacy benefits managers argue health plan-PBM integration is leading to anti-competitive tactics that make it impossible for some employers to switch PBMs.

US FDA Biologics Designation As Price Protection: Lilly Charts New Course With Retatrutide

 
• By Cathy Kelly

An effort to change the US Food and Drug Administration’s conclusion that its obesity treatment candidate retatrutide is a drug and not a biologic could give the product more time with unrestricted pricing in Medicare, among other benefits.

More from Market Access

analysis

Shot Across The Bow? Express Scripts Lawsuit Seeks To Derail Fall-Out From FTC PBM Report

 
• By Cathy Kelly

Pharmacy benefit manager sues Federal Trade Commission claiming chair Khan has orchestrated a campaign against PBMs that is not based in fact.

‘Alternative' PBMs Say Vertical Integration Unfairly Carving Them Out Of The Game

 
• By Sarah Karlin-Smith

Alternatives to the top pharmacy benefits managers argue health plan-PBM integration is leading to anti-competitive tactics that make it impossible for some employers to switch PBMs.

UK MHRA First-Half New Drug Approvals Show Overwhelming Use Of EU Reliance Procedures

 
• By Ian Schofield

The UK regulator approved 16 medicines containing a new active substance in the first half of this year, while the European Commission issued marketing authorizations for 20 NAS-containing drugs.