Trump Executive Order Targets Drug Pricing Reform

President Donald Trump signed an executive order instituting a 'Most Favoured Nation' drug pricing policy, aiming to align U.S. prescription drug prices for branded and patented medications with those in the lowest-cost developed countries. The policy bypasses intermediaries like pharmacy benefit managers and is seen as favoring direct-to-government purchases, leaving the generics and biosimilars sectors largely unaffected. European and Irish officials have raised concerns about the order's impact on their pharmaceutical manufacturing and exports, while Indian companies view it as a market opportunity. Experts remain skeptical about the policy's legality and feasibility, referencing previous court challenges and anticipated industry resistance. The order has also entered ongoing negotiations between the Trump administration and drugmakers as a bargaining chip. Meanwhile, the U.S. has reported a notable decrease in fentanyl overdose deaths, though future access to treatments may be influenced by regulatory and funding changes.