Lawsuit Asks HHS and HRSA to Take Action Against the Restriction of the Sale of 340B Drugs

Pharmacy Times^® interviewed William von Oehsen, JD, principal at Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville, on a lawsuit his firm recently filed against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The suit asks the agencies to take action against drug manufacturers that are refusing to sell 340B discounted drugs to covered entities when ordered via contracted pharmacy arrangements.

The discussion included background on von Oehsen and his firm’s experience with the 340B program, why the lawsuit against the HHS and HRSA was a necessary step, and details regarding the organizations represented in the suit.

von Oehsen explained that his firm represents Ryan White Clinics for 340B Access (RWC-340B), some individual RWC-340B members, some federally qualified health centers (FQHC), a community hospital, and a FQHC look-alike.

“So, it's actually a pretty broad cross-section of the safety net providers that qualify for and participate in the 340B program, all of whom have been adversely affected by these manufacturers’ actions,” von Oehsen said.

The discussion also included a detailed history into the establishment of the 340B program and its role and importance in the health care system today.