House Republicans launched an antitrust investigation Thursday into whether CVS Caremark, a leading pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), has been using its market position to block independent pharmacies from using innovative, cost-saving tools.
House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan spearheaded the investigation focusing on allegations that CVS Caremark has prevented these pharmacies from engaging in digital pharmacy services known as pharmaceutical hubs, according to The Hill. Pharmaceutical hubs streamline the process for patients to access and manage complex, high-cost specialty medications.
These services, often backed by drug manufacturers, act as intermediaries between drugmakers and specialty pharmacies, aiming to enhance patient support, The Hill reported. However, there is concern that CVS Caremark’s policies could exclude independent pharmacies from the PBM’s…
