Particle.news

Download on the App Store

White House Pauses Drug Tariffs as Pfizer Signs On to TrumpRx and MFN Pricing

Health policy analysts caution the announced steps may deliver budget savings more than lower pharmacy bills for typical patients.

Overview

  • The administration has halted the threatened 100% import taxes on pharmaceuticals while it evaluates company proposals and negotiates pricing agreements.
  • Pfizer agreed to provide most‑favored‑nation pricing to state Medicaid programs and to offer select medicines at steep direct‑to‑consumer discounts through TrumpRx.gov, with the site targeted to launch in early 2026.
  • Pfizer receives a three‑year reprieve from the proposed tariffs and has pledged expanded U.S. manufacturing and research investment, though several financial terms remain confidential.
  • Illustrative discounts cited by officials include Eucrisa at about 80% off, Xeljanz at roughly 40% off, and Zavzpret at about 50% off, and the White House says more drugmakers could join, which is not yet confirmed.
  • Experts and industry observers say most insured Americans may not see lower out‑of‑pocket costs because cash DTC prices often exceed copays and do not count toward deductibles, and they warn PBM and insurer rules could limit the program’s effect.
  • Legal and privacy commentators raise concerns about unclear data collection and safeguards for users of the government‑run portal, and analysts note key operational and authority details have not been disclosed.