Supreme Court Denies Appeal in AR-Big Pharma Legal Battle

The state of Arkansas and Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders just struck a major blow against Big Pharma.

The state decided to take on Big Pharma via a lawsuit regarding drug pricing laws.

The Supreme Court denied the case, handing Arkansas a massive win in the process.

The Case

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) sued the state over new drug pricing laws.

The suit was filed on the basis that the law was unconstitutional and preempted by federal law.

The group was fighting on behalf of drug providers from a 2021 law that was passed in Arkansas that allowed for broader distribution of discounted medications.

State Sen. Reginald Murdock, (D), Marianna, ripped the industry, stating, "They're always trying to figure out ways to create more dollars for themselves.”

Murdoch added, "We wanted to make sure that that stayed in place so they can help everybody that's receiving these drugs so that people can stay healthy, get healthier.”

In the initial ruling, the lower courts stated, “Act 1103 does not create an obstacle for pharmaceutical manufacturers to comply with 340B, rather it does the opposite: Act 1103 assists in fulfilling the purpose of 340B. In arguing otherwise, PhRMA presents no evidence of an obstacle.”

Arkansas Insurance Department Commissioner Alan McClain took a victory lap after the ruling was announced, stating, "We are happy with the Supreme Court's refusal to consider an appeal of the 8th Circuit ruling upholding the constitutionality of Arkansas Act 1103 relating to the 340b program and contract pharmacies. I believe this was an important step toward protecting patient access to critical pharmacy services throughout our state.”

Sarah Sanders has very quietly been doing a very good job in Arkansas, which made it even more surprising that Sanders was not even on Trump’s radar for this administration.

Regardless, I have a feeling this is far from the last we are going to hear from Sanders, as she could very easily be eyeing a run for president in 2028.