HHS Fights Back to Keep Expanded 340B Drug Discounts

The drug industry scored a victory last month against the Obama administration's plans to give hospitals millions of dollars in discounts through the 340B program on orphan drugs. But HHS is sticking to its position that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act promises breaks on the expensive drugs when they're used for non-orphan indications.

HHS said in a court filing Thursday that the agency plans to appeal a District Court ruling that struck down its regulations on the federal 340B drug discount program—or issue guidance that would replace the rule and compel drugmakers to provide the discounts. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, a trade group for the drug industry, argued in a lawsuit last year that HHS misinterpreted the law and overstepped its rulemaking authority.

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Source: Modern Healthcare