STATEMENT ON ASTRAZENECA CUTTING OFF ACCESS TO 340B DISCOUNTED PRICING THROUGH CONTRACT PHARMACIES
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The following statement on AstraZeneca’s decision to refuse 340B pricing to hospitals with on-site pharmacies for any drugs that will be dispensed through contract pharmacies is attributed to 340B Health President and CEO Maureen Testoni:
“The action of AstraZeneca is a direct attack on the 340B drug pricing program that will hurt hospitals, health centers, and clinics as well as the low-income and rural Americans who rely on them for care. We believe that refusing to offer discounts that the 340B statute requires is a violation of federal law. We are calling on Health and Human Services Secretary Azar to exercise his authority to stop these overcharges before they cause permanent damage to the health care safety net.”
“AstraZeneca is one of several major manufacturers that recently have cut off access to 340B pricing – or threatened to do so – for hospitals, health centers, and clinics that partner with pharmacies in their communities to deliver needed medications to patients. AstraZeneca’s serious escalation of this trend would punch holes in the system of 340B discounts that Congress mandated. If the administration will not use its authority to enforce the law, we will pursue all legislative and legal avenues available to us to defend the safety net.”
Contact: Richard Sorian at richard.sorian@340bhealth.org or 202-536-2285.