Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 08:34am on 04 Mar 2025,Tuesday Health & Wellness
The U.S. Supreme Court recently declined to hear an appeal from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) challenging an Arkansas law. This law mandates pharmaceutical companies to provide discounts on drugs dispensed by third-party pharmacies that contract with hospitals and clinics serving low-income populations. The decision supports state measures ensuring drug access through the federal 340B discount program, which requires drugmakers to offer discounts as a condition for receiving government health insurance funds. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin praised the ruling, stating it prevents manufacturers from exploiting gaps in federal law, thereby ensuring equal drug access for rural patients. Similar laws in states like Maryland, West Virginia, and Louisiana aim to protect the use of contract pharmacies, despite industry concerns about transparency and potential abuse.
