Judge Rejects Merck Challenge to Medicare Drug Price Negotiation

A Washington D.C. federal judge has ruled against pharmaceutical giant Merck in its challenge to the Inflation Reduction Act's Drug Price Negotiation Program.

The program, which is part of the Medicare and Medicaid connected programs, allows the government to negotiate lower prices for certain prescription drugs.

Merck argued that its voluntary participation in these connected programs meant it was not subject to the negotiation program. However, the judge disagreed, stating that Merck's inclusion in the negotiation program does not constitute an unconstitutional taking.