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

 
• By Cathy Kelly

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.

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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. Pharmacy Solutions, Prime Therapeutics and MedImpact Healthcare Systems. All but one of the PBMs are vertically integrated with insurers and the largest three (CVS, Express Scripts and OptumRx) are also integrated with pharmacies

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