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Senate Passes Key Generic and Biosimilar Drug Competition Measure The Senate unanimously passed a bill that would bar so-called “patent thickets” and similar measures that brand drug makers use to stop the swift entry of generics and biosimilars. Drug makers would be barred from using multiple patents and lawsuits to stop generic and biosimilar approval. As well, the companies could not essentially “re-patent” drugs by making cosmetic changes. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would also have power to impose limits on patent litigation on biologics. (Article may require a subscription.) #drugpricing #branddrugmakers #biosimilars #generics https://insidehealthpolicy.com/inside-drug-pricing-daily-news/advocates-applaud-senate-passage-patent-thicket-reform-bill Could Smaller, Innovative PBMs Thrive At Expense of Big 3 Not too many years ago, the Big 3 pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) dominated the business because their size and scope delivered the most cost-savings.  But the rise of transparency and headlines about how traditional PBMs could be abusing employers and insurers has smaller PBMs, including

FTC To Sue Big Three PBMs The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) is reporting that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will sue the Big 3 pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) – United’s Optum, Cigna’s Express Scripts, and CVS’ Caremark — over anti-competitive behavior.  The suits could center on the vertical integration with their sister health plans, which means the PBMs favor corporate-owned pharmacy assets at higher costs to the public. The suit may also challenge rebate deals with brand drug makers and concomitant formulary restrictions. The move likely means more pushes on Capitol Hill to reform PBMs. While some of this may be true, I continue to believe that brand drug makers are the biggest problem in terms of high drug prices. Additional article: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/wsj-ftc-sue-pbms-over-drug-pricing-tactics #pbms #drugpricing #ftc #antitrust https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/ftc-to-sue-pharmacy-benefit-managers-caremark-express-scripts-optumrx-wsj/72102 Brand New Interoperability Rule Published Even though major new interoperability requirements have yet to go into effect, the nation’s healthcare interoperability regulator,

New FTC Investigation Report Targets PBMs In its initial report on an antitrust investigation into the role of pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs), the competitiveness watchdog Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says PBMs have vast power that disadvantages consumers and independent pharmacies. It reports the following: The major PBM lobbying group pushed back on the findings vigorously.  While PBMs need reform and more transparent approaches, I feel the FTC has put the entire onus for high prices and anti-competitive behavior on PBMs and not brand drug makers. The FTC has adopted the same whipping boy mentality as Congress. Additional articles: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/ftc-report-pbms-may-urgently-require-potential-regulation and https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-policy/pharmacy-benefit-managers-pbms-higher-prices-ftc-cvs-cigna-unitehealth and https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4762024-federal-trade-commission-report-pharmacy-middlemen-price-hikes/ (Some articles may require a subscription.) #pbms #drugpricing https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/ftc-pharmacy-benefit-manager-investigation-interim-report/720814 Physician Burnout Declining The portion of physicians who report at least one symptom of burnout has dropped below 50%, the first-time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. #covid #providers #physicians https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/physician-burnout-drops-below-50-first-time-2020-ama-poll-finds Sackler Family May Be Sued By