TrumpRx makes more drug pricing moves and strikes a deal with AstraZeneca

Core Insights - President Trump has initiated a direct-to-customer pharmaceutical venture, announcing a deal with AstraZeneca to implement a "most-favored-nation" drug pricing policy aimed at reducing prescription costs in the US [1][2][3] Group 1: AstraZeneca's Commitment - AstraZeneca has pledged to invest $50 billion in the US over the next five years for research and development of new drugs and onshore manufacturing [2] - The company will offer Medicaid patients prices comparable to the lowest prices charged in other countries [2][3] - AstraZeneca is the largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in the UK, with key products including the cancer drug Tagrisso and the diabetes medication Farxiga [4] Group 2: Related Initiatives - In September, a similar agreement was made with Pfizer to provide reduced rates for its drugs on TrumpRx and for Medicaid patients in exchange for a three-year tariff exemption [9] - TrumpRx.com was launched to make drugs more affordable by eliminating intermediary companies [2] Group 3: Political Context - The announcement comes amid a government shutdown, with ongoing deadlock between Republicans and Democrats over extending enhanced premium subsidies for the Affordable Care Act [10] - The proposed Republican budget could lead to increased health insurance premiums, with some states potentially seeing premiums double without subsidies [11]