The BioPharma industry is in rapid flux, shaped by rising tariffs, shifting policies, and new barriers to prescription access. Here’s a quick look at the forces driving change.
Trump Ups the Ante on Pharma Tariffs—Saying They Will Reach 250%
Source: FiercePharma
President Donald Trump is pressing ahead with plans to impose steep tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals—starting small but ramping up to 250%—in a bid to push drug manufacturing back to the U.S. The move, paired with a revived “most favored nation” pricing policy, has already spurred major pharma companies to announce significant American investment plans as they brace for sweeping changes.
Drugmakers Score Policy Win—Ends Prolonged Fight Against 340B
Source: Pharma Voice
The Trump administration’s new HHS pilot will let drugmakers replace upfront 340B discounts with post-purchase rebates on a limited set of 10 drugs, a shift long sought by the pharmaceutical industry. Supporters say rebates could improve oversight, while healthcare industry groups warn the change will create steep upfront costs for hospitals, administrative burdens, and potential financial strain for providers serving low-income patients.
New Study—PBMs and Commercial Insurers are Quietly Blocking Prescription Access
Source: PhRMA.org
A new IQVIA white paper reveals that commercial insurers initially deny coverage for 75% of newly prescribed medicines in five key chronic disease areas, leaving patients facing weeks—or even months—of delays before accessing treatment, if they get it at all. The study highlights how insurers and PBMs use tactics like prior authorization, embedded step therapy, and formulary controls to prioritize profits over patient care.
