Nonprofit Health Services Organization Files Lawsuit Against Fortune 500 Pharmaceutical Company Over Prescription Drug Access
AmgenAmgen(US:AMGN) Businesswire·2026-01-20 16:34

Core Viewpoint - Sagebrush Health Services has filed a lawsuit against Amgen Inc. for unlawfully terminating the sale of discounted drugs and retracting past discounts, which has hindered Sagebrush's ability to supply necessary medications to its clinics [1][2]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit was filed in California Superior Court, asserting five causes of action against Amgen for violating California law and aims to protect access to affordable care for economically challenged and uninsured populations [2]. - Sagebrush seeks the return of at least $7 million that Amgen improperly took, along with treble damages and punitive damages under California law [3]. - The dispute centers on the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which allows eligible healthcare organizations to purchase outpatient drugs at significantly reduced prices [3][4]. Group 2: Allegations Against Amgen - The lawsuit claims that Amgen unilaterally determined Sagebrush was not an eligible entity under the 340B Program, disregarding the established federal process for challenging eligibility [4]. - Amgen's attorneys acknowledged in a letter to a U.S. Senate committee that the 340B program does not permit manufacturer oversight, indicating a lack of authority to police compliance [5]. Group 3: Impact on Patients and Services - Sagebrush Health Services emphasizes its commitment to improving access for underserved populations and reinvests savings from the 340B Program into vital community services [6][8]. - The organization runs a sexually transmitted infection (STI) program that integrates education, screening, testing, and treatment services, which has been affected by Amgen's actions [7][8].