Missouri Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Drug Companies

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri’s Attorney General Kathleen Hannaway announced on Thursday that her office has taken legal action against over a dozen pharmacy benefit management and pharmaceutical companies operating in the state.

In her statement, Hannaway expressed the need to confront the rising costs of healthcare, particularly regarding insulin prices. “It’s clear that these health management companies are prioritizing profits over affordable healthcare for those in need,” she said. “Missourians deserve a fair marketplace, and we expect nothing less.”

The lawsuit points out that uninsured residents in Missouri have witnessed significant increases in the cost of essential diabetes medications over the past fifteen years.

Hannaway noted the stark contrast in prices, mentioning that while manufacturers charge between $300 to $400 for insulin in Missouri, similar products can be found for just $5 in other countries.

Jeremiah Morgan, the Interim Deputy Attorney General, added, “Access to life-saving insulin shouldn’t be blocked by exorbitant prices that put families in a tough position. PBMs have managed to take advantage of the system for their own gains, and consumers are clearly fed up with it.”

The lawsuit, filed in St. Louis County Circuit Court, lists 19 different defendants, including:

• Evernorth Health, INC. (formerly Express Scripts Holding Company)
• Express Scripts, Inc.
• Express Scripts Administrators, LLC
• ESI Mail Pharmacy Service, Inc.
• Express Scripts Pharmacy, Inc.
• Medco Health Solutions Co., Ltd.
• CVS Health Corporation
• CVS Pharmacy Co., Ltd.
• Caremark Rx, LLC
• CaremarkPCS Health, LLC
• Caremark LLC
• United Health Group Co., Ltd.
• Optum Co., Ltd.
• OptumRx
• OptumInsight Life Sciences, Inc.
• Optum Insight Co., Ltd.
• Eli Lilly and Company
• Novo Nordisk Ltd
• Sanofi-Aventis US LLC

According to data cited by Hannaway, about 25% of diabetics in the United States can no longer afford their essential medications.

The lawsuit seeks a court ruling to deem the insulin pricing system illegal, put an end to its exploitative practices, and compel the companies to reimburse the amount owed to consumers in Missouri.

To access the full petition, please visit this link.