Pfizer's CEO Is Bullish On Rebate Changes That Could Power New Launches

Ian Read walked away from a meeting with President Trump with a rosy view on drug pricing and rebate reform. He said he expects rebates will be eliminated, but net drug prices will continue to grow. Rebate reform will benefit new drug launches, he predicted.

After both a phone call and a White House meeting with President Donald Trump, Pfizer Inc. CEO Ian Read was pushed during the firm’s second quarter earnings call for his thoughts on what could be on the horizon when it comes to drug pricing and rebate reform – and the CEO was notably optimistic about US policy changes that could impact the pharmaceutical industry.

Read said he expects drug rebates will be eliminated under public health insurance plans in a policy shift that will...