The truth about price drops for pricey hepatitis C drugs 

The price of hepatitis C treatments dropped by roughly 60% last year, and if you follow the drug pricing debate closely, you’ve likely heard the argument that those rapid price drops are proof that things aren’t quite as out-of-whack in the U.S. drug pricing system as they may seem. But there’s a fascinating new paper in JAMA that, quite frankly, solidifies just how bonkers things are.

The new paper from West Health’s Sean Dickson and Pew’s Ian Reynolds finds that the three drug companies that make these hepatitis C drugs actually put more money in their pockets by lowering their sticker prices for these drugs. Yes, that’s right: Lower prices = more money.

While the dynamics at play — which include the wonky interplay between 340B hospitals and PBM rebates — are likely unique to the hepatitis C market, it’s recommended reading nonetheless. Check it out here.