FTC Targets Pharmacy Agent Fees in Push for Lower Drug Costs (1)

High drug rebates that pharmacy benefit managers require from drugmakers may violate federal competition laws if they stifle patient access, according to a policy statement adopted unanimously by the FTC on Thursday.

The Federal Trade Commission voted 5-0 to issue a document outlining how it will use existing competition and consumer protection laws to examine rebates and fees paid by drug manufacturers to pharmacy benefit managers—the entities that run prescription drug benefits. The FTC said it plans to look at whether these payments limit patient access to insulin and other drug products.

The commissioners framed the policy statement as just ...