A federal judge in Baltimore has denied a request by major drug companies to block a new Maryland law that requires them to sell discounts on medications sold through third-party pharmacies affiliated with hospitals and clinics serving low-income populations, Reuter's reported Sept. 6.
U.S. District Judge Matthew Maddox issued a preliminary order on Sept. 5 blocking program 340B, according to court documents obtained by Becker's. The judge's written order did not explain his reasoning but referred to the statements he made from the bench during a hearing held Sept. 4.
Drug companies Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Novartis, AbbVie and AstraZeneca had sought to prevent the law from taking effect, arguing that the 340B conflicts with federal regulations.
The case is one of numerous similar challenges to state laws dealing with companies' federal obligations under the 340B program.