The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a final rule expanding the approval pathway for nonprescription drug products by allowing the approval of a nonprescription drug product with an “Additional Condition for Nonprescription Use” (ACNU). This rule aims to expand consumer access to certain nonprescription drugs—that would otherwise be available only via prescription—by
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District Court Affirms Louisiana’s Protection of 340B Contract Pharmacy Arrangements
By Morgan Lewis
340B litigation remains full speed ahead. Manufacturer and covered entity (CE) disputes, not all of which are being actively litigated, include, but are not limited to, federal and state regulation of contract pharmacies, manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies and 340B distribution, CE data submission requirements, and the definition of “patient.” With billions of dollars at…
Are PDABs Pushing the Limit? Drug Pricing Complexities Collide with Implementation
By Morgan Lewis
In response to rising prescription costs and overall state-level healthcare spending, numerous states, including Maryland and Oregon, have established prescription drug affordability review boards (PDABs) to review certain high-cost prescription drugs and determine if states should take action to reduce those prices.
A Bevy of Recent FDA Updates on Innovation in Clinical Trial Design
By Morgan Lewis
Aiming to expedite drug development, enhance the body of clinical evidence supporting new and existing therapies, and improve participation and diversity in clinical trial populations, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued three guidance documents that impacted the clinical trial landscape and established a new hub for clinical trial innovation.
No Surprise: 340B Audits Are on the Rise!
By Morgan Lewis
While audits are part of doing business in the ordinary course, businesses are generally less than eager to open the books. And the same is true when it comes to the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Audits are now making the list of ongoing disputes between manufacturers and covered entities (CEs) participating in the program.
FDA Issues Long-Awaited Diversity Action Plan Guidance
By Morgan Lewis
Recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusivity in clinical trials, drug development, and regulatory decision-making, Congress amended the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) in connection with the Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act (FDORA) provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, requiring sponsors of certain clinical studies of drugs, biological products, and…
Unpackaging CMS’s HOPPS Proposed Rule and Payments for Diagnostic Radiopharmaceuticals
By Morgan Lewis
In what can only be characterized as a necessary but significant proposed departure from current political initiatives focused on lowering pharmaceutical drug prices, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposes considerably increasing reimbursement for certain qualified diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals.
Medicare Part B Enrollees Will Save on 64 Newly Selected Drugs Under Inflation Rebate Program
By Morgan Lewis
Medicare Part B enrollees as of July 1, 2024 will experience savings on coinsurance for 64 drugs selected by the Biden administration. Pursuant to the Inflation Reduction Act and its Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program, these select drugs will have a lower coinsurance rate through September 30, 2024 to adjust for drug prices rising…
FDA Issues Draft Guidance on Its New Platform Technology Designation Program
By Morgan Lewis
Taking a step toward fulfilling its requirements under Section 506K of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Section 506K), FDA has issued Draft Guidance describing how the agency intends to implement the Platform Technology Designation Program. Section 506K was established by Section 2503 of the Prepare for and Respond to Existing Viruses, Emerging New…
State-Mandated Upper Payment Limits: Maryland PDAB Evaluates 6 Drugs for Affordability
By Morgan Lewis
Pharmaceutical drug pricing and reimbursement continues to make headlines nationwide. In a recent development, Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) finalized its list of selected drugs for affordability review. The board will engage in what it contends will be a comprehensive “cost review” where it will seek public comments, additional information, and data over a…