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...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Pink Sheet for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Compliance

Lawyers Weigh In On ‘Sunshine’ Clause In EU Pharma Reform Package

 

The Council of the EU has not taken forward a proposal from the European Parliament that would require companies to disclose the transfers of value they make to health care professionals and health care organizations – lawyers weigh in on the diverging proposals.

EU Pharma Overhaul May Reshape Aspects Of Drug Promotion And HCP Partnerships

 

Lawyers explain how changes to rules around drug advertising and promotional activities under the EU pharma reform package could impact companies operating in the bloc, with one legal expert advising companies to “monitor developments closely.”

US FDA’s Tough Talk On Talc: Regulating In An Echo Chamber

 

An FDA “expert roundtable” on talc produced a new talking point on a potential drug safety risk, but the basis of that claim is difficult to determine.

BIO CEO On Industry And US FDA, Trump’s Vaccine Views And MFN Counter Proposals

 

John Crowley discussed how he prioritizes industry’s many competing challenges in a Pink Sheet interview at the BIO International Convention.

More from Pink Sheet

COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Labels Now Quantify Myocarditis Risk, But ACIP Wants Other Changes

 
• By 

New members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices suggested concerns beyond myocarditis, questioning whether test-negative observational studies are giving an incorrect picture of effectiveness.

Medicare’s Combo Products Negotiation Plan Conflicts With US FDA Standards, Firms Argue

 
• By 

The plan could curtail a period of pricing flexibility for newer subcutaneous versions of important oncology drugs.

EU Pharma Overhaul May Reshape Aspects Of Drug Promotion And HCP Partnerships

 

Lawyers explain how changes to rules around drug advertising and promotional activities under the EU pharma reform package could impact companies operating in the bloc, with one legal expert advising companies to “monitor developments closely.”