US FTC Removing ‘Handcuffs’ To Pursue Pharma Companies, PBMs For Antitrust Violations

Agency staff has more freedom to launch investigations under resolutions approved at Commission’s first meeting under new chair. Mergers and rebate walls expected to be major priorities.

FTC building
FTC authorizes investigations of pharma companies and pharmacy benefit managers • Source: Alamy

The US Federal Trade Commission has made it easier for its staff to initiate investigations and enforcement actions against pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy benefit managers. Under resolutions approved at its open meeting last week, FTC commissioners authorized their staff to issue civil investigative demands and subpoenas targeting several industries, including pharma and PBMs.

The FTC already has the authority to order parties to produce information, but in authorizing investigations the agency will make...

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