FTC Expands Probe of Drug Middlemen to Include Rebate Companies

The US Federal Trade Commission expanded its probe into pharmacy benefits managers to related companies that contract with drugmakers for rebates.

The agency is seeking information from the six largest pharmacy benefit managers under an examination that began last year. Now it’s also looking into two affiliated companies that negotiate rebates on behalf of the prescription drug middlemen.

The FTC voted to request information from Zinc Health Services, LLC, an affiliate of CVS Health Corp’s Caremark unit, and from Ascent Health Services, LLC. Ascent operates as the purchasing organization for Cigna Group’s pharmacy benefits manager, as well ...