FTC deepens inquiry into prescription drug middlemen

As part of its ongoing inquiry into pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and their impact on the accessibility and affordability of prescription drugs, the USA’s Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued compulsory orders to two group purchasing organizations (GPOs) that negotiate drug rebates on behalf of other PBMs.

The compulsory orders will require these entities to provide information and records on their business practices.

Having previously issued compulsory orders to the six largest PBMs in the US healthcare industry, the FTC yesterday issued two additional orders to Zinc Health Services and Ascent Health Services.