CVS Caremark settles FTC antitrust case, agreeing to favor lowest-cost insulin on formularies

CVS Caremark announced a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission that resolves the agency’s antitrust lawsuit alleging the PBM favored higher-priced insulin versions.

Under the agreement, Caremark must place the lowest-cost insulin products on its standard formularies for commercial clients and must pass through any savings it negotiates with drugmakers, eliminating rebate-driven discrimination.

The terms mirror a February settlement the FTC reached with Express Scripts, while Optum Rx is still negotiating its own deal. The settlement aims to curb drug-price inflation and ensure more transparent pharmacy-benefit management.