Think Tank Suggests CMS, USTR Could Enforce Most Favored Nation, Other Drug Pricing Policies

A Republican think tank suggested variations of the Most Favored Nation and international reference policies in Medicare and Medicaid, as well as tariffs and other trade levers to rebalance drug pricing disparities between US countries and abroad.

The policy proposals fit with the Trump Administration's focus on costs and tariffs. (Shutterstock)
Key Takeaways
  • Variations of the Most Favored Nation and International Pricing Index models developed in the first Trump Administration could be resurrected to address 'global freeloading' of US R&D efforts, the America First Policy Institute suggested.
  • The issue brief also proposed applying tariffs and other trade levers to raise the prices foreign governments pay for drugs to increase their contribution to R&D efforts.
  • The Trump Administration is expected to return to policies related to international reference pricing, but biopharma wants to ensure they focus on raising prices abroad and not just lowering them in the US.

A Trump Administration aligned think tank outlined policies that could use US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and US Trade Representative authorities to pressure foreign governments to increase the...

An America First Policy Institute issue brief, which aligns with President Trump’s suggestion that the US is getting “ripped off” by other countries, was authored...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Pink Sheet for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Pricing Debate

US ‘Most Favored Nation’ Pricing Could be Game Changer for Drug Access In Germany

 

In this first in a series of articles looking at the potential impact of the MFN drug pricing policy on European pharmaceutical markets, EUCOPE’s Alexander Natz tells the Pink Sheet why the US policy underscores the importance of confidential net pricing.

US FDA Will Help States Apply To Import Cheaper Drugs From Canada

 
• By 

The FDA is not currently signaling that stringent rules for the process will be relaxed, but the agency's change in approach is notable.

HHS Negotiating With Manufacturers On Most Favored Nation Drug Pricing

 
• By 

MFN policy would would apply to all single source drugs in all insurance markets, according to HHS release. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the department is discussing the plan with drug sponsors.

Spain Slashes Wait Between EU Drug Authorization And Financing Decisions

 

Spanish authorities say that that timelines for drug reimbursement decisions can be improved further with the right submissions from companies.

More from Geography

US ‘Most Favored Nation’ Pricing Could be Game Changer for Drug Access In Germany

 

In this first in a series of articles looking at the potential impact of the MFN drug pricing policy on European pharmaceutical markets, EUCOPE’s Alexander Natz tells the Pink Sheet why the US policy underscores the importance of confidential net pricing.

ICH Targets RWE, Rare Diseases, Biosimilars, ATMPs In New Guideline Push

 
• By 

The International Council for Harmonisation has identified four new topics that can benefit from global regulatory alignment, with timelines for initiating work to be determined later.

Quotable: Top Experts On Policy Hot Topics

 

The Pink Sheet highlights recent comments and insights from pharma officials and executives on key issues we are covering.