May 30, 2018 - Health

Trump claims drug companies will drop prices voluntarily

Shannon Vavra

Trump stands before American flags before a blue drape, and points. — Photo: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images

Trump said Wednesday, while signing the Right to Try Act, that major drug companies are going to announce drug price decreases in two weeks.

Yes, but: Health and Human Services secretary Alex Azar has also been calling on the industry to self-regulate, but it’s not clear what Trump was referring to, or where any new savings would come, adds Axios' Sam Baker.

Between the lines: This announcement comes absent regulatory changes that could hold the pharmaceutical companies accountable.

Context: Republicans on Capitol Hill have been quiet about the president’s plan to reduce drug prices, and are wary of making an enemy of the pharmaceutical industry. Making waves on health care before the midterm elections could be a risky move, per Politico.

Go deeper: Who really pays for prescription drugs.

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Trump claims drug companies will drop prices voluntarily

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