16 Drugmakers Slash US Medicine Prices in New Deal

Americans struggling with sky-high prescription costs just got a major break as sixteen of the world's largest drug companies agreed to slash prices in exchange for tariff exemptions.

The pharmaceutical giants, including Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Merck, struck deals with the US government to offer discounted medicines through a newly launched website called TrumpRx.gov. The platform officially went live Thursday at a White House event.

Some of the most expensive medications in America are getting dramatic price cuts. Popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy will now cost between $149 and $350 per month instead of their typical prices that often exceed $1,000. Pfizer alone is offering more than 30 medicines at reduced prices through the program.

The discount platform works by redirecting users to partner websites where they can purchase medications at lower costs. While it doesn't sell drugs directly, TrumpRx connects consumers with significant savings on treatments for diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma, hepatitis C, and even fertility medications.

Americans currently pay nearly three times more for prescription drugs than people in other developed countries. The new agreements specifically target people who buy medicines without insurance, a group that faces some of the steepest costs in the healthcare system.

The Bright Side

Beyond the immediate savings, pharmaceutical companies are expanding their direct-to-consumer programs. Novo Nordisk announced it's broadening access to include newly approved medications, while other manufacturers are adding drugs to their discount offerings. This competition could drive prices down even further over time.

Even patients with insurance might find savings on certain medications. Companies like Merck, GSK, Sanofi, Amgen, and Gilead are all participating, covering everything from blood thinners to asthma inhalers.

The deals create a win for both consumers and drugmakers, who benefit from tariff exemptions while maintaining sales volumes they might otherwise lose to high prices. As one health policy expert noted, selling drugs at a discount beats making no sale at all.

While questions remain about how much different groups will save, the launch represents a concrete step toward making essential medications more affordable for millions of Americans who have struggled to fill prescriptions or skipped doses due to cost.

Americans now have a new tool in their fight against prescription drug prices that have been climbing for decades.