Pfizer CEO in Productive Talks with Trump Administration on Drug Pricing, Tariffs

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla has confirmed that the company is engaged in active and productive discussions with President Donald Trump and senior U.S. government officials regarding the Most Favored Nation (MFN) drug pricing proposal, which seeks to align U.S. drug prices with lower prices in other developed countries. Bourla noted that Pfizer received a letter from President Trump outlining significant expectations, including offering MFN pricing to Medicaid patients and preventing price undercutting internationally, which poses substantial demands on the company. These talks also include discussions with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, focusing on balancing drug affordability and industry competitiveness, particularly in relation to China’s growing pharmaceutical market. In addition to pricing reforms, Pfizer is incorporating the impact of tariffs from China, Canada, and Mexico into its financial outlook and is exploring direct-to-consumer sales programs to address pricing and market challenges. Bourla emphasized a shared understanding with the administration and a collaborative approach to finding solutions, but refrained from disclosing further details due to the ongoing nature of negotiations. Pfizer is navigating these complex issues while monitoring geopolitical and market pressures that affect its global operations and competitiveness.