Report Details Price Increases
A report released by Senate Democrats reveals that drugmakers have raised prices on hundreds of medications, contradicting claims by President Donald Trump that his administration's deals would lower prescription drug costs. Senator Bernie Sanders, who released the findings, indicated that companies involved in these agreements launched new drugs at an average price of $353,000 per year. This report comes ahead of a Senate hearing focused on drug pricing, highlighting the ongoing struggle many Americans face in affording necessary medications.
Profits Surge Amid Price Hikes
The report highlights a significant increase in profits for drug companies during Trump's second term, with combined profits soaring to $177 billion in 2025, up from $107 billion the previous year. Sanders stated that Americans continue to pay the highest prices for prescription drugs globally, a situation he said existed before Trump's presidency but has worsened. The report specifically mentions price increases for critical medications, including gene therapies and cancer treatments, raising concerns about access to life-saving drugs.
Specific Drugs See Major Increases
Notable drugs that experienced price hikes include Merck's Keytruda, which now costs approximately $210,000 annually, a 6% increase, significantly higher than prices in countries like Japan and France. Novartis' Kesimpta, a multiple sclerosis drug, increased by nearly $10,500 to $141,000 a year, while its price in Germany is just $17,300. Bristol Myers Squibb's Opdivo rose by 4% to $260,000 annually, more than double the cost in other wealthy nations.
Lack of Transparency in Pricing Deals
Health policy experts express frustration over the lack of transparency regarding the details of Trump's pricing deals. Stacie Dusetzina, a professor at Vanderbilt University, emphasized that the administration's actions appear to benefit drug companies rather than patients. White House spokesperson Kush Desai countered that the report focuses on list prices, which do not accurately reflect the actual costs that patients face when purchasing medications.
New High-Priced Medications Launched
The report also reveals that companies involved in Trump's deals have launched new medications at staggering prices. For instance, Johnson & Johnson's cancer drug Inlexzo debuted at about $1 million, while AbbVie's Emrelis is priced around $719,000. Novartis introduced a gene therapy, Itvisma, at a list price of approximately $2.59 million. These exorbitant costs further complicate the healthcare landscape for patients seeking affordable treatment options.
Implications for Patients and Healthcare
The findings of the report raise critical questions about the effectiveness of the Trump administration's drug pricing policies. As patients continue to grapple with rising medication costs, the report emphasizes the need for more substantial reforms in the pharmaceutical industry.
Next Steps for Drug Pricing Reform
As discussions about drug pricing continue, the Senate hearing will likely address these findings and the broader implications for healthcare access. With average brand-name list prices showing a decline this year, driven by policies from the Biden administration, the focus will be on how to sustain this momentum and ensure that patients receive the medications they need at a price they can afford. The ongoing dialogue around pharmaceutical pricing will be crucial in shaping future policies that prioritize patient care over corporate profits.
For example, the sources report that Novartis' gene therapy Zolgensma increased by nearly $200,000 to more than $2.5 million for a single course of treatment.