Episode 16: 340B Rebate and Antitrust Lawsuit Updates, More States Pass Contract Pharmacy Laws, Federal Drug Pricing Talks Heat Up

In this episode, 340B Report Publisher and CEO Ted Slafsky, Associate Editor and Senior Writers Shannon Young and Will Newton and National Correspondent Bella Czajkowski break down the latest in 340B news, including developments in two major 340B lawsuits, new state contract pharmacy access laws with unique twists and developments on health funding negotiations and drug pricing policy talks in Washington, D.C.

Key Topics Covered:

Courts Hear Arguments in 340B Rebate, Antitrust Lawsuits
Will recaps the latest developments in a key 340B rebate lawsuit, including recent oral arguments in which the drug industry argued it doesn’t need federal approval to institute rebate models. HHS has told the drug manufacturers that they are not allowed to unilaterally implement a rebate model and a hospital group has intervened to oppose the use of rebates.  The judge grilled attorneys representing both the drug industry and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS later committed to issuing guidance on a rebate model—and what conditions, if any, they could be permitted—within the next few weeks.

Bella recaps the recent oral arguments in a 340B antitrust case against four major insulin manufacturers. Ted and Bella discuss the significant implications of this case for 340B covered entities, should the appeals court side with the two health centers that have accused drugmakers of colluding on contract pharmacy restrictions.

More States Advance Contract Pharmacy Bills

Will provides an overview of recent contract pharmacy access bill developments in Oklahoma, Colorado and Hawaii. He notes some of the unique provisions contained in those bills, such as new reporting requirements for providers.

 

Drug Pricing Talks Loom Large

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