Senate Democrats Report Drug Price Hikes Amid Trump Administration Deals

Apr 17, 2026, 2:17 AM

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A report released by Senate Democrats has revealed that drug manufacturers have raised prices on hundreds of medications, despite claims made by President Donald Trump that his administration's deals would lower prescription drug costs in the United States. The study, led by Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., found that many drugs have seen significant price increases, with new medications launching at an average cost of $353,000 annually.

During a hearing focused on drug prices, Sanders stated, "American people continue to pay by far the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs, and that was true before President Trump was president. In most cases, it is even more accurate today." The report specifically highlights major price hikes for gene therapies, cancer treatments, and medications for multiple sclerosis.

The findings raise questions about the effectiveness of the administration's "most favored nation" deals, which were intended to align US drug prices with those in other wealthy countries where prices are typically lower. Critics argue that these agreements have not resulted in meaningful reductions for consumers. Stacie Dusetzina, a health policy professor at Vanderbilt University, expressed frustration over the lack of transparency regarding these deals, suggesting they primarily benefit drug companies.

In 2025, companies that entered into agreements with the Trump administration reported combined profits of $177 billion, a significant increase from the previous year’s $107 billion. This financial growth raises concerns about whether these deals have effectively addressed the issue of rising drug costs.

The report identifies several blockbuster drugs that experienced price increases even during negotiations with the Trump administration. For instance, the list price of Merck's cancer treatment Keytruda rose 6% to approximately $210,000 per year, far exceeding prices in countries like Japan and France, where it costs $37,900 and $88,100, respectively. Similarly, Novartis' Kesimpta, a drug for multiple sclerosis, saw a price increase of nearly $10,500, bringing its annual cost to $141,000, compared to $17,300 in Germany and $23,500 in Canada.

Antonio Ciaccia, CEO of 46brooklyn, a nonprofit tracking drug pricing, noted that while some average brand-name list prices have declined, this change is largely due to policies implemented by the Biden administration, including Medicare drug pricing negotiations.

Moreover, the report highlights that companies involved in Trump’s pricing deals introduced new medications with staggering price tags. For example, Johnson & Johnson's cancer drug Inlexzo launched at about $1 million, while Novartis' Itvisma, a gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy, has a list price of approximately $2.59 million. Other new drugs also feature eye-popping prices, raising concerns about affordability for patients.

As the Senate continues to scrutinize drug pricing, the findings from this report underscore the ongoing struggle to balance pharmaceutical profit-making with the need for affordable healthcare. With the Trump administration’s claims of reducing drug prices now in question, the focus remains on how future policies can effectively address the rising costs of essential medications.

The situation highlights a critical need for ongoing legislative and regulatory efforts to ensure that drug prices do not spiral out of reach for American consumers, particularly those who rely on life-saving treatments.

This report serves as a call to action for policymakers to enhance transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring that negotiated deals translate into tangible benefits for patients rather than mere profit increases for drug manufacturers.

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