President Trump continues to push for dramatic changes in prescription drug pricing with his latest announcement focused on cutting costs for significant medications. On Thursday, he revealed a new agreement that would implement most favored nation (MFN) pricing for popular drugs critical for managing diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, among other health conditions.
The White House described this deal as “a historic reduction in prices” for the two most expensive drugs in the United States, namely Ozempic and Wegovy. These two medications have been essential for managing chronic conditions, yet their soaring costs have left many patients struggling to afford them. Under the new plan, patients can turn to TrumpRX.com, a government website designed to allow direct purchases from pharmaceutical companies at much lower prices, equivalent to those in other countries without relying on insurance. Additionally, Medicare and Medicaid will now cover these drugs with reduced co-pays, making access more affordable for seniors and those enrolled in these programs.
Trump expressed his excitement during the announcement, stating, “This is very exciting. Again, we’re bringing drug prices down to levels nobody ever thought were possible.” He emphasized the extent of the savings, citing reductions of 200%, 300%, and even 700% in prices. The president highlighted the involvement of major pharmaceutical companies, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, who have agreed to apply drastic discounts to their GLP-1 weight loss medications. “I call it the fat drug, remember,” he said, simplifying the appeal of the treatment aimed at tackling obesity, a growing concern in health care.
Trump’s plan includes significant cuts for patients using Medicare and Medicaid, making co-pays potentially as low as $50—a stark contrast to prior costs that could reach $1,350. “This is tremendous news for American seniors,” Trump emphasized, providing a clear illustration of the potential financial relief for many. He noted that his previous accomplishments in reducing costs, while modest in comparison, pale against these new savings: “But now, we’re cutting it 1,000%, 1,200%.”
The energy in Trump’s voice reflected his belief in this plan’s transformative potential. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. echoed this optimism, predicting that the new access to weight loss drugs would have “dramatic effects on human health in this country.” He forecasted that, collectively, “Americans will lose 125 million pounds by this time next year” as a direct result of making these medications more accessible.
This announcement follows a series of previous agreements Trump struck with other major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and AstraZeneca, aiming to drastically lower costs across the board. Earlier in May, Trump signed an executive order that set the stage for such negotiations, mandating that key federal officials, including the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Commerce, explore aggressive strategies to secure the best prices on prescription drugs for American consumers.
Overall, Trump’s commitment to slashing prescription drug costs remains a central focus of his administration. With these new developments, millions of Americans could experience significant savings and improved access to essential medications, marking a pivotal moment in efforts to enhance the nation’s healthcare landscape.
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