CNBC·2025-07-17 15:47Core Insights - Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer will sell their blood thinner Eliquis directly to patients at a discount of over 40% due to pressure from the Trump administration to lower drug prices [1][2] - The new pricing strategy aims to reduce the monthly cost from approximately $606 to $346, effective September 8, targeting uninsured, underinsured, and self-pay patients [2] - The discounted price remains significantly higher than the average out-of-pocket cost for commercially insured patients and the negotiated Medicare price set to take effect next year [3][4] Pricing Strategy - The new program bypasses traditional intermediaries like pharmacy benefit managers and insurers, allowing for direct sales to patients [2] - The initiative is designed to expand access to Eliquis, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and provide transparent pricing for patients [4][5] Market Context - The move is seen as a response to the Trump administration's executive order aimed at linking U.S. drug prices to those in other developed countries [6] - Analysts do not expect this program to negatively impact the net pricing for Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer, as they already provide substantial rebates to pharmacy benefit managers [6]