Express Scripts Sues FTC Over Drug Pricing Report

Express Scripts, a major pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) owned by Cigna, has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over a July report that accuses PBMs of contributing to high drug prices. The company claims the report is biased, defamatory, and disregards evidence provided by PBMs, pushing for the report’s retraction and the recusal of FTC Chair Lina Khan. The FTC's report argues that market consolidation among PBMs, like Express Scripts, CVS Caremark, and OptumRx, has led to conflicts of interest and higher drug costs. Critics assert PBMs have too much control over medication pricing and access, often steering patients towards more expensive options. Despite the lawsuit, the FTC stands by its findings, emphasizing the need to address the opaque and highly concentrated nature of the PBM market.