Overview

• The planned 100% import tax on certain brand‑name drugs did not take effect this week and remains under review as officials assess manufacturers’ reshoring and price‑cut proposals.
• Pfizer confirmed it will participate in the government’s direct‑to‑consumer portal with discounts up to 85% and about 50% on average, and states will receive most‑favored‑nation prices for Medicaid; the site is slated to go live in 2026.
• FDA Commissioner Marty Makary praised the Trump‑Pfizer agreement as a major step toward affordability, even as the administration continues talks with additional drugmakers.
• Public‑health experts say cash‑only purchases on such platforms typically help uninsured patients most and usually do not count toward insured patients’ deductibles or out‑of‑pocket maximums.
• Industry analysts predict pressure on PBM rebate models and specialty pharmacy contracts, while pharmacists warn that any future tariffs could drive up costs or affect access if they are implemented.