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AstraZeneca Signs U.S. Drug-Pricing Deal, Pledges MFN Medicaid Rates and TrumpRx Participation

The agreement showcases a tariff‑for‑concessions approach that ties Medicaid parity pricing to future TrumpRx participation.

Overview

  • President Donald Trump and CEO Pascal Soriot announced that AstraZeneca will offer most‑favored‑nation pricing to Medicaid and apply that standard to new drug launches.
  • AstraZeneca committed about $50 billion in U.S. manufacturing and R&D investments, including a new Virginia facility projected to create roughly 3,600 jobs, with officials acknowledging tariff reprieves tied to the deal.
  • The TrumpRx.gov marketplace is slated to launch in 2026 with AstraZeneca and Pfizer posting discounted offers, while pharmacies and GoodRx say they are in talks to help make those prices available at retail counters.
  • Analysts say Medicaid already receives steep discounts and warn direct‑to‑consumer cash sales may not reduce out‑of‑pocket costs for many insured patients or count toward deductibles.
  • The White House signaled it is not currently pursuing Section 232 tariffs on generic drugs, narrowing its trade probe and easing concerns for major generic suppliers such as India.