Episode 5: Post-Election Shifts and 340B Policy – Trump’s New Administration and J&J’s Legal Push

Ted Slafsky joins Shannon Young, Will Newton and Bella Czajkowski to analyze the 2024 election’s potential impact on the 340B landscape, including how President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House and the new GOP-controlled Congress could approach the drug pricing program.The team also discusses Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) recent lawsuit against the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing 340B rebate model debate.

Key Topics Covered

• Election Results and 340B Policy Implications
  The team unpacks the election results, including Trump’s decisive win and the new GOP leadership in Congress. They discuss how this shift could influence 340B policy, noting that the previous Trump administration posed several challenges to 340B providers. Will and Shannon share insights on expected policy changes and what roles key Senate and House lawmakers could play when it comes to crafting future 340B-related legislation.

• J&J’s Legal Battle Over the Rebate Model
  Will breaks down J&J’s lawsuit against HRSA over its  proposed 340B rebate model, explaining how it could potentially reshape the 340B program. Despite bipartisan resistance to rebates, J&J may be betting on a more drug industry-friendly new administration that could lead to a shift in HRSA’s longstanding position on upfront discounts.

• Spotlight on Key Players
  With Senate Republicans selecting U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) as the next majority leader, the team examines how he could help elevate 340B policy in the upper chamber and potentially moderate critiques from vocal 340B opponents like U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who will take over the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Cassidy is expected to bring more aggressive oversight to the 340B program.  Thune’s historic support of 340B could act as a counterbalance.

What’s Next for Inside 340B Report

In future episodes, the team will provide an inside look at the issues impacting the stakeholders in the 340B drug discount program. Listen to fascinating conversations between 340B Report editors and reporters on what they are covering and why it is important. 

Stay tuned for more episodes biweekly! 🎧 Subscribe to Inside 340B Report on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on YouTube for video discussions.

Special thanks to 340B Report Ultra Diamond sponsors who made this episode possible including: AIDS Healthcare Foundation, The Alinea Group, Avita Care Solutions, Maxor, RxParadigm, RxStrategies and Verity Solutions.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. We look forward to bringing you valuable insights and discussions on the 340B program. For more information, visit 340BReport.com.