60天降低美国药价？特朗普再向药企开刀

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government is implementing the Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing mechanism to lower prescription drug costs, which have been significantly higher than in other countries, aiming to correct the long-standing pricing model where the U.S. bears the R&D costs while other countries benefit from lower prices [1][3]. Group 1: Policy Implementation - President Trump signed an executive order in May to restart the MFN pricing mechanism, aiming to anchor U.S. drug prices to the lowest prices among OECD countries [1]. - On July 31, the Trump administration pressured 17 major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Eli Lilly, to submit binding commitments for MFN pricing by September 29, threatening regulatory changes or drug importation if they do not comply [1][3]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The U.S. prescription drug market's net spending reached $435 billion in 2023, the highest globally, with pricing power primarily held by pharmaceutical companies and private insurers, leading to a complex and opaque pricing mechanism [3]. - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that three major pharmacy benefit managers control over 80% of the market, utilizing strategies like "Spread Pricing" to extract profits, exacerbating systemic inequities [3]. Group 3: Industry Reactions - Following the announcement of the MFN policy, shares of companies like Pfizer and Eli Lilly fell by approximately 2%, indicating market reassessment of industry profitability [6]. - Several pharmaceutical companies expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the government, but experts believe significant price reductions in the short term are unlikely [6][7]. - Analysts suggest that the MFN policy may lead to price increases in other countries as pharmaceutical companies adjust to maintain profit margins [4].