Path to Pharmacy Agent Probe Cleared With FTC’s New Commissioner

FTC Democrats now have the majority to approve a probe into the entities that run prescription drug benefits, though antitrust attorneys say the agency’s chair will still aim to build broad consensus before moving ahead.

The Senate’s confirmation of Alvaro Bedoya gives Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan the support she needs on the five-member agency to investigate the impacts pharmacy benefit managers have on drug prices. Bedoya could push a PBM study plan past the finish line after the agency’s previous effort failed in a 2-2 deadlocked vote.

But attorneys say Khan will likely, and should, attempt to gain ...