Drug Wholesalers Elude Congress Scrutiny in Pricing Debate (1)

Wholesalers that distribute prescription drugs to pharmacies need scrutiny as Congress investigates the roles of supply chain middlemen in drug pricing, analysts say.

The companies are central for drugmakers to get their products to pharmacies, hospitals, and other health centers. Three wholesale companies are responsible for roughly 90% of US prescription drug distribution—AmerisourceBergen Corp., Cardinal Health Inc., and McKesson Corp.

Wholesalers have gotten limited attention on Capitol Hill, even as tackling high drug costs has become a major priority among key lawmakers in both chambers. Various entities can benefit from higher list prices from drugmakers, researchers and ...