Federal Judge Blocks Merck's Challenge to Medicare Drug Price Negotiations

A federal judge has rejected Merck & Co.'s attempt to overturn Medicare's drug price negotiations, ruling on the first challenge against the program after three years. The order was filed by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly of the US District Court for the District of Columbia.

The court determined that there is no genuine dispute as to any material facts and that Merck's ability to withdraw from the program and sell its selected drug at its own desired price on the private market precludes a challenge. This decision follows similar rulings in other courts dealing with similar challenges to the Program.