STATEMENT ON ASTRAZENECA AND SANOFI DENIALS OF 340B PRICING TO SAFETY-NET HOSPITALS
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The drug manufacturers AstraZeneca and Sanofi today stopped offering drug discounts required under the 340B drug pricing program to safety-net hospitals dispensing the drugs at community-based pharmacies. The AstraZeneca policy applies to all 340B covered entities, and the Sanofi policy applies to covered entities that do not hand over pharmacy patient claims data that the company is demanding.
The following statement is attributed to 340B Health President and CEO Maureen Testoni:
“AstraZeneca’s and Sanofi’s decisions today to become the second and third major pharmaceutical manufacturer to violate the 340B statute by refusing to provide required discounts on any drugs that 340B hospitals dispense at community pharmacies is appalling. 340B hospitals serve our nation’s patients who are most in need – those with low incomes and those living in underserved rural communities. There is no question that this action will harm patients and the hospitals, health centers, and clinics that serve them by raising the costs of many outpatient drugs and cutting off a crucial resource for funding critical services.”
“The federal government has the authority and the responsibility to put a stop to these destructive actions. The denials of 340B discounts to safety-net providers has prompted condemnation from a majority of members of Congress, more than 1,100 hospitals, and numerous national organizations. The general counsel of the Department of Health and Human Services also has sharply criticized the timing of such actions. It is time for the administration to protect patients and stop cuts to 340B.”
Contact: Richard Sorian at richard.sorian@340bhealth.org or 202-536-2285.