Express Scripts, the pharmacy benefit manager that Cigna Corp. bought in 2018, is being investigated by the Federal Trade Commission for what regulators claim is influence over drug prices wielded by pharmacy benefit managers and transparent business practices.
The FTC also is targeting pharmacy benefit managers at CVS Caremark; OptumRx Inc., Humana Inc.; Prime Therapeutics LLC; and MedImpact Healthcare Systems Inc.
“Although many people have never heard of pharmacy benefit managers, these powerful middlemen have enormous influence over the U.S. prescription drug system,” FTC Chair Lina M. Khan said this week in announcing the investigation. “This study will shine a light on these companies’ practices and their impact on pharmacies, payers, doctors and patients.”
