Pfizer CEO Holds ‘Extremely Productive’ Talks With Trump Administration Amid MFN Pricing and Tariff Threats
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla has been in direct and ongoing contact with President Donald Trump and healthcare officials, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, to negotiate on Most Favored Nation (MFN) drug pricing and tariff policies13.
Bourla described the engagement with the Trump administration as 'extremely productive,' emphasizing that both sides are actively seeking solutions though specific details remain confidential due to the ongoing nature of talks13.
The Trump administration sent letters to Pfizer and other major drug companies demanding lower drug prices, threatening policy actions—including bringing prices down to parity with prices in other advanced economies under MFN rules and imposing sector-specific tariffs if companies did not comply13.
Trump's latest statements indicate potential pharmaceutical tariffs starting small but possibly increasing to 250% over time, adding significant pressure on drug manufacturers3.
Bourla acknowledged the substantial challenge of the administration’s demands but emphasized the industry’s willingness to cooperate, with Pfizer and its peers preparing measures such as increased direct-to-consumer options to meet US government priorities35.
Pfizer has proactively aligned some strategies, such as investing in domestic manufacturing and expanding direct-to-consumer sales, to mitigate risks from regulatory and trade policy changes2.
The ongoing negotiations and policy threats have driven pharmaceutical companies, represented by industry bodies like PhRMA (currently chaired by Bourla), to engage directly with federal officials to shape the outcome of reforms35.
Sources:
1. https://www.biospace.com/business/pfizer-ceo-in-touch-with-president-over-most-favored-nation-drug-pricing
2. https://www.ainvest.com/news/navigating-trump-era-risks-opportunities-big-pharma-pfizer-strategic-position-tariff-pricing-debates-2508/
3. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/pharma-prepared-to-work-with-trump-on-dtc-drug-sales-pfizer-ceo/756783/
5. https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/big-pharma-drug-prices-trump-b2802488.html