The Dakota Scout

The Dakota Scout

Pharmacy giant sues South Dakota over law to protect rural hospitals

AstraZeneca argues that Legislature, Gov. Larry Rhoden violated U.S. Constitution, federal law

Jonathan Ellis's avatar
Jonathan Ellis
Aug 18, 2025
∙ Paid

A pharmaceutical giant has filed suit against the state of South Dakota, alleging that a bill passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Larry Rhoden this year violated federal law.

AstraZeneca has joined fellow pharmaceutical company AbbVie in suing the state over the passage of Senate Bill 154 this year. That bill barred pharmaceutical manufacturers from prohibiting pharmacies from participating in a program that reduces the prices of some drugs.

AstraZeneca is a global pharmaceutical company that had $54.1 billion in revenue last year. The company hopes to launch 20 new medicines in a host of areas and generate $80 billion in annual revenue by 2030.

SCOUTING REPORT | USD’s Irish trade, Gatorade’s soccer players, self-deportations, Festival of Bands

Jonathan Ellis and Azalea Kuether
·
August 17, 2025
SCOUTING REPORT | USD’s Irish trade, Gatorade’s soccer players, self-deportations, Festival of Bands

Five students from the University of South Dakota will join South Dakota Trade and Gov. Larry Rhoden this month on a trip to Ireland. The group will promote international trade of the state’s key exports, including beef, ethanol and biotechnology products.

Read full story
User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of The Dakota Scout.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 The Dakota Scout · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture