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

Shannon breaks down the latest developments on Capitol Hill as congressional Republicans work to wrap up wide-ranging spending legislation, which calls for $880 billion in health spending cuts that are largely expected to target Medicaid. The White House has proposed tying Medicaid drug prices to the prices paid in other affluent countries—a policy which has drawn pushback from both the drug industry and provider advocates. Ted recalls a similar initiative President Donald Trump pursued in his first term to tie dozens of Medicare Part B drugs prices to their international equivalents. Shannon also discusses new federal drug pricing legislation and Trump’s HHS budget blueprint.

Subscribe & Stay Updated

How to Follow Us and Learn More About This Episode’s Sponsor

Stay tuned for more episodes every other week! 🎧 Subscribe to Inside 340B Report on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube.

Each episode is brought to you by one of our great Ultra Diamond sponsors. Maxor sponsored this week’s episode. From specialty pharmacies to comprehensive pharmacy management, Maxor optimizes the pharmacy experience for patients and partners. We are very grateful to Maxor for its sponsorship.

Subscribe to 340B Report with a Special Discount

We’re offering a special discount for podcast listeners. 340B Report is the indispensable source for news and intelligence on the 340B program. First-time subscribers may subscribe now using coupon code PODCAST25. Not ready to subscribe? Sign up for a 15-day free trial.