Wave of Amicus Briefs Back Drug Price Plan at Trial Court Stage

The Biden administration’s efforts to fend off legal challenges from the pharmaceutical industry battling Medicare drug price negotiations has drawn reinforcements from officials and academics defending the program.

Former government officials, legal and economic scholars, and patient advocacy groups have become “friends of the court” in lawsuits by pharmaceutical giants and industry groups fighting the constitutionality of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. The plan, which is considered one of President Joe Biden’s signature health initiatives under the Inflation Reduction Act, is expected to slash the costs of 10 Medicare Part D drugs beginning in 2026.

The ...