Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a significant policy shift in the U.S. pharmaceutical market, where the Trump administration has reached an agreement with pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to drastically reduce the prices of GLP-1 obesity medications starting in 2026, while expanding public insurance coverage for these drugs [4][6][12]. Pricing and Coverage Changes - The retail price of Wegovy and Zepbound has been between $1,000 and $1,350 per month, costing families over $10,000 annually if paid out-of-pocket. The new agreement will allow eligible Medicare and Medicaid patients to access these medications for approximately $245 per month, with out-of-pocket costs potentially reduced to around $50 [6][11]. - This policy marks the first time obesity medications will be included in the federal insurance system, with an estimated 10% of Medicare beneficiaries expected to benefit from this coverage [6][11]. Market Dynamics and Pharmaceutical Response - Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have agreed not only to lower prices but also to increase domestic investment and production in the U.S., receiving tariff exemptions for drug imports over the next three years. This reflects a "price for stability" deal where the government secures public support while pharmaceutical companies gain market access advantages [11][12]. - Despite the price reduction, critics argue that the new pricing may still be burdensome for low-income families, and there are concerns about whether drug supply can meet the anticipated demand, given previous shortages of GLP-1 medications [11][12]. Economic Strategy and Global Implications - This agreement is part of the Trump administration's broader economic strategy to revitalize domestic manufacturing, with the pharmaceutical industry being a key focus. The commitment from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to expand U.S. manufacturing is seen as a positive response to government policies [12][15]. - The agreement is viewed as a continuation of the "most favored nation" pricing policy, aiming to align U.S. drug prices with those in other developed countries. While not fully implementing an "international minimum price" mechanism, it sets a precedent for future negotiations with other pharmaceutical companies [15][16]. Market Reactions and Future Outlook - Following the announcement, stock prices for Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly rose, indicating investor optimism about the potential for long-term growth despite short-term profit sacrifices. Analysts believe that GLP-1 drugs could evolve into a trillion-dollar market, with applications extending beyond weight loss to cardiovascular and neurological diseases [15][16]. - The U.S. drug pricing reform is expected to have global repercussions, with many countries, including China, closely monitoring this "American model" experiment. The balance between innovation and equity in healthcare remains a critical challenge for the global pharmaceutical industry [15][16].