Pharma Trade Pact: What's In It For The U. S. ?

Key Points

• Trade Agreement Details:
• Eliminates tariffs on U.K. medicines exported to the U.S. for three years.

• Catch: U.K. drug companies must invest more in the U.S. and create jobs.

• Balancing Trade:
• Praised for balancing trade between the two countries.
• Criticism: The American Hospital Association has filed a lawsuit to block a pilot program that changes payments for medicines bought through a federal drug discount program.

Pharmaceutical Industry Updates

Eli Lilly Cuts Price of Weight-Loss Drug

• Zepbound price cut by up to 20% for cash-paying customers.
• Reason: Competition with Novo Nordisk heats up.

World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines

• New guidelines recommend long-term use of GLP-1 medications for adults with obesity.
• Caution: These drugs alone won't solve the global obesity crisis.

State-Level Decisions

• Some states are choosing not to cover new weight-loss drugs under Medicaid.
• Implications: Could affect prevention of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.