Bill would expand 340B discounts for orphan drugs

Reps. Peter Welch (D-VT) and Gregg Harper (R-MS) yesterday introduced the Closing Loopholes for Orphan Drugs Act (H.R. 2889, legislation that would limit the “orphan drug” exclusion for 340B Drug Pricing Program rural and cancer hospitals. Specifically, the legislation would allow 340B critical access hospitals, sole community providers, rural referral centers and free-standing cancer hospitals to purchase orphan drugs at discounted rates through the 340B program as long as the orphan drug is used to treat illnesses or conditions other than the rare illnesses or conditions for which the orphan drug designation was originally given.