The national association of HIV/AIDS clinics and two of its members sued U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar in federal court to compel him to protect their rights to buy covered outpatient drugs from four manufacturers that refuse to sell them when ordered through 340B contract pharmacy arrangements. The Oct. 9 suit brought by Ryan White Clinics for 340B Access (RWC-340B), its Kentucky member Matthew 25 AIDS Services and its Tennessee member Cempa Community Care, is a major turning point in the months-long struggle over 340B contract pharmacy involving the drug industry, 340B covered entities and their trade associations, HHS, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and Congress. It brings the federal judiciary into the equation. A second similar lawsuit against HHS and HRSA is expected soon. Click here for more information on the lawsuit.
