Regulatory Enforcement

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) plans to sue the top Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) for anti-competitive practices, including influencing drug prices and favoring their own networks, which disadvantage independent pharmacies and raise prescription drug costs.

The top Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are condemned by the FTC for manipulating the healthcare system to generate significant profits, thereby inflating drug costs and overcharging patients, particularly for critical medications like cancer drugs.

Ozempic, a well-known medication for type 2 diabetes, has gained popularity for its off-label use in weight loss, leading to increased scrutiny by authorities. Recently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Cincinnati seized several shipments of the drug, underscoring the growing demand and associated risks.

There has never been a more fortunate time for compounding pharmacies looking to capitalize on the "Gold Rush" of Ozempic. Due to the forecasted limited supply of the brand name drug, the FDA has put Ozempic on the shortage list, which will allow for a more accommodating set of rules regarding compounding and distribution of semaglutide-based drugs.