STAT+: Missouri AG warns Lilly to stop requiring data from hospitals seeking 340B drug discounts

Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter.Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway (R) has warned Eli Lilly to discontinue its practice of requiring hospitals to provide claims data to receive discounted medicines under a federal program, a sign that more states are pushing back against such moves by drugmakers. In an Oct. 26 cease-and-desist letter sent to the company, Hanaway maintained that Lilly has “broken” its promise to sell its medicines under the 340B Drug Pricing Program to eligible hospitals in the state. As a result, she contended the drugmaker has made “false and misleading statements” and violated state law. Hanaway pointed to University of Missouri Health Care, which operates seven hospitals in the state and, she maintained, recently agreed to provide claims data. Yet Hanaway said Lilly denied the health care system discounts on its medicines anyway, and asked the drugmaker to end its new policy by Nov. 26. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe