Merck sues US government over drug price negotiation powers.

Merck has filed a lawsuit against the US government, accusing it of "extortion" over its attempts to control drug prices. The lawsuit claims that the government is violating the company's constitutional rights by threatening to withhold Medicare coverage for its drugs if it does not comply with price controls. Merck argues that the government is attempting to force it to sell its drugs at a loss, which would harm patients and undermine innovation in the pharmaceutical industry.