Trump Strikes Deals to Cut Prices of Weight‑Loss Drugs!

Trump Strikes Deals to Cut Prices of Weight‑Loss Drugs!

By Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced landmark agreements with pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to significantly reduce the prices of some of their high‑profile weight‑loss medications. [1]

Key Details of the Deal

• The agreements include dramatic price cuts for GLP‑1 drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound, which are currently priced at around 1,000 to1,350 per month, to approximately 350 per month via the new direct‑to‑consumer platform “TrumpRx”. [2]
• For Medicare and Medicaid patients, the cost will be reduced to around 245 per month, with co‑pays starting as low as 50 per month in certain cases. [3]
• Upcoming oral versions of the drugs, if approved, could be offered at 150 per month through the same platform. [2]
• In return, the pharmaceutical companies are expected to receive regulatory and trade concessions, including potential relief from threatened U.S. import tariffs and priority review of new medications. [4]

Why It Matters

This initiative signals a major push by the Trump administration to address the high cost of prescription drugs — a key concern for millions of Americans. It also represents a shifting posture in U.S. healthcare and trade policy by tying drug pricing to broader regulatory and tariff leverage. For Nigeria and other countries, this move is an example of how global pharmaceutical pricing and supply chains may shift in response to U.S. policy.

Things to Watch

• How quickly this pricing structure will be implemented and what eligibility criteria will apply for consumers.
• The impact on the pharmaceutical market and whether similar price negotiations will extend to other drug categories.
• Whether the discounted US pricing will affect global pricing norms and access to these drugs in Africa and other developing regions.
• Potential reaction from overseas manufacturing partners and trade partners who may be affected by shifts in export or supply arrangements.

Citations:

1. The White House: www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/11/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-announces-major-developments-in-bringing-most-favored-nation-pricing-to-american-patients/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. mint: www.livemint.com/news/us-news/eli-lilly-novo-nordisk-to-lower-obesity-drug-cost-strike-pricing-deal-with-trump-triumph-for-american-patients-11762450065631.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Investopedia: www.investopedia.com/trump-negotiates-discounts-for-weight-loss-drugs-11845161?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. Capital Brief: www.capitalbrief.com/briefing/trump-announces-big-price-cuts-for-weight-loss-drugs-in-lilly-and-novo-deal-4e8eb0b0-e68d-4347-99cf-8eb3b6d6b5c4/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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