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FTC and HHS Investigate Causes of Generic Drug Shortages

The inquiry focuses on the influence of supply chain middlemen on drug pricing and availability.

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WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 13: Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan testifies before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on July 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. The committee and its chairman, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), have accused Khan and the commission of "mismanagement," "disregard for ethics and congressional oversight" and "politicized rulemakings." (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The FTC and HHS have launched an inquiry into generic drug shortages, focusing on the role of group purchasing organizations and drug wholesalers.
  • The investigation aims to understand how these 'middlemen' influence drug pricing and availability, potentially leading to supply chain issues.
  • Recent drug shortages have forced hospitals to ration crucial medications, including chemotherapy drugs, posing significant risks to patients.
  • Legislators have proposed changes to Medicare payments and other measures to address the shortages and ensure drug availability.
  • Public comments are being sought as part of the inquiry, with a focus on contracting practices, market concentration, and compensation of these middlemen.