FTC, HHS Extend Public Comment Period on Generic Drug Shortages and Competition Request for Information

The Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are extending the deadline for the public to comment on a joint Request for Information (RFI) that seeks to understand how the practices of group purchasing organizations (GPOs) and drug wholesalers may be contributing to generic drug shortages. The new deadline is now May 30, 2024.

In the RFI, the FTC and HHS are seeking public comment regarding market concentration among large health care GPOs and drug wholesalers, as well as information detailing their contracting practices. The joint RFI seeks to understand how both GPOs and drug wholesalers impact the overall generic pharmaceutical market, including how both entities may influence the pricing and availability of pharmaceutical drugs. The comment period was originally set to end on April 15, 2024.