Boehringer Faces Skeptical Judge in US Drug Price Plan Challenge

A federal judge in Connecticut signaled doubt Thursday of a pharmaceutical company’s bid to block a government drug price-setting program, pressing counsel on how the scheme compels speech or results in deprivation of the drugmaker’s property.

Chief Judge Michael P. Shea of the US District Court for the District of Connecticut repeatedly questioned Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc. during oral arguments on its various constitutional claims against the Biden administration’s Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program.

What are the “bad things” that could happen if a manufacturer were to participate or pull out of the program and “where’s the risk?” Shea asked ...