PBM fight still on

Even though Express Scripts got the FTC go-ahead for its $29 billion acquisition of Medco, retail pharmacists are determined to stop the merger via federal courts.

After its exhaustive investigation, the FTC concluded that the commission “revealed a competitive market for PBM services characterized by numerous, vigorous competitors who are expanding and winning business from traditional market leaders. The acquisition of Medco by Express Scripts will likely not change these dynamics: the merging parties are not particularly close competitors, the market today is not conducive to coordinated interaction, and there is little risk of the merged company exercising monopsony power.”