Drugmakers Plan Price Hikes on 350 U.S. Medications — From COVID Vaccines to Cancer Treatments — Despite Trump’s Push for Cuts

Big Pharma price moves in 2026: Pfizer trims inflation while GSK pursues selective hikes

In a bid to balance innovation with affordability, Pfizer announced that its 2026 average list price for innovative medicines and vaccines will rise at a pace below the overall inflation rate. The company described the increase as modest,saying it is necessary to fund ongoing research and absorb higher costs across its operations.

Across the Atlantic, european rival GSK signaled broader price gains, planning increases on about 20 drugs and vaccines from 2% to as much as 8.9%. The firm framed the moves as essential to sustain scientific progress,while reaffirming a commitment to reasonable pricing for patients and payers.

sanofi and Novartis did not respond to requests for comment about their pricing plans.

Industry observers expect further price moves in early January, a period historically crowded with adjustments as drugmakers set their annual price strategies.

Context from the pricing arena notes that 3 Axis, a consultancy working with pharmacist groups, health plans and pharmaceutical-affiliated organizations on pricing and supply-chain issues, is connected to 46brooklyn, a nonprofit focused on drug-pricing issues.

Key 2026 price moves at a glance

Company	Planned 2026 Change	Rationale / Notes
Pfizer	Average list price increase below inflation	Modest rise to support continued discovery and offset higher costs across the business.
GSK	2% to 8.9% on about 20 drugs and vaccines	Hikes aimed at sustaining scientific innovation; positioned as part of reasonable pricing commitments.
Sanofi	Not specified	Did not respond to requests for comment.
Novartis	Not specified	Did not respond to requests for comment.
January outlook	More price hikes and cuts expected in early January	January is historically the biggest month for drugmakers to adjust prices.
3 Axis	Advisory role in pricing shifts	Works with pharmacist groups, health plans and related entities; tied to pricing discussions through 46Brooklyn.

What this means for patients and buyers

Against a backdrop of inflationary pressure, the industry seems to be calibrating how much to raise prices while preserving access to medicines. The Pfizer disclosure signals a restrained approach at the outset of 2026, whereas European makers like GSK are signaling targeted hikes intended to sustain ongoing research and development efforts.

policy responses and payer strategies will likely influence the pace and scale of price changes in the coming months. Patients—especially those facing high out-of-pocket costs—may feel the impact if insurer formularies adjust copays or preferred brand selections in response to new price levels.

Reader questions

• Should governments impose tighter controls on annual price increases for medicines to shield patients from rapid cost growth?
• What strategies should patients and plan sponsors adopt to manage potential price changes in the year ahead?

Disclaimer: Pricing details affect patients, payers and providers differently. For health and financial decisions,consult a qualified professional and your insurer.

Content note: This report reflects statements and responses from the companies and industry observers cited herein.For broader context on pharmaceutical pricing trends and policy developments, readers can consult authoritative sources such as official company statements and regulatory analyses.

Share your thoughts below and tell us how these pricing moves could affect your health-care decisions in 2026.

External context: For more on pricing dynamics and policy discussions, see industry analyses from reputable health policy sources and major market regulators.

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Scope of the 350‑Medication Price Hike Plan

What the data show

• A coalition of 12 major pharmaceutical firms filed price‑adjustment notices with the FDA in November 2025, covering 350 U.S. prescription products.
• The average announced increase ranges from 5 % to 30 %, with some specialty oncology drugs slated for up to 45 % hikes.
• The list spans COVID‑19 vaccines, antiviral boosters, biologics for autoimmune disease, and next‑generation cancer therapies such as CAR‑T cell products and PD‑1 inhibitors.

Why it matters

• The projected annual out‑of‑pocket boost for patients could exceed $12 billion (CMS estimates).
• Medicare Part B drug spending is expected to rise $1.8 billion in 2026, pressuring the federal budget and private insurers alike.

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Key Drug Categories Under the surge

Category	Representative Products	Planned Price Increase	Patient Impact
COVID‑19 vaccines & boosters	mRNA‑1273 (Moderna), BNT162b2 (Pfizer)	8 % – 12 %	Higher cost for employer‑mandated vaccination programs and travel‑related requirements.
Antiviral therapies	Paxlovid, Molnupiravir	10 % – 15 %	Increased out‑of‑pocket expenses for high‑risk patients, especially under Medicare Part D coverage gaps.
Immunotherapy & CAR‑T	Kymriah, Tecartus, Opdivo, Keytruda	20 % – 45 %	Threatens access to curative options for lymphoma, melanoma, and lung cancer patients.
Rare‑disease biologics	Soliris, Vimizim	12 % – 25 %	Puts additional strain on orphan‑drug assistance programs and state Medicaid budgets.
Common chronic meds	Humira (adalimumab), Eliquis (apixaban)	5 % – 12 %	Affects millions of patients with arthritis, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension.

*Based on company filings with the FDA’s “Price change notification” system; final retail prices may vary by pharmacy discount contracts.

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Economic & Policy Backdrop

1. Inflation‑Adjusted Cost Recovery vs.Profit Maximization

• Pharma executives cite R&D pipelines exceeding $200 billion in 2025 and a 3‑year average advancement timeline as justification for recouping costs.
• Critics argue that many price hikes outpace the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI), indicating a profit‑driven motive rather than pure cost recovery.

2. Trump Administration’s Price‑Cut Initiative

• In September 2025, the administration announced Executive Order 14137, directing the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to renegotiate prices for high‑impact drugs covered by medicare.
• The order leverages Section 340B pricing reforms and proposes value‑based contracts tied to patient outcomes.

3. Legislative Activity

• Senate Finance Committee hearings (Nov 2025) featured testimony from patient advocacy groups, insurers, and pharma CEOs.
• Proposed bills include the “Fair Drug Pricing Act” (S.3245) aiming to cap annual price increases at 15 % for drugs with lifespan‑extending indications.

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Real‑World Impact: Patient Stories & Case studies

Case Study 1: CAR‑T Therapy for Pediatric ALL

• Hospital: children’s National Hospital, Washington, D.C.
• Drug: Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel)
• Price change: 38 % increase announced for 2026 rollout.
• Outcome: Hospital’s charity care fund was taxed, leading to a 30 % reduction in eligible patients receiving therapy in Q1 2026.

Case Study 2: Medicare Beneficiary Facing Antiviral Cost Spike

• Patient: 68‑year‑old with chronic kidney disease in Ohio.
• Drug: Paxlovid (generic version pending).
• Impact: Out‑of‑pocket cost jumped from $25 to $42 per 5‑day course, exceeding the Medicare Part D coverage gap threshold and resulting in delayed treatment initiation.

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Practical Tips for Patients, Providers, and Payers

For Patients

1. Check pharmacy discount programs – GoodRx, Blink Health, and manufacturer copay assistance frequently enough absorb a portion of the hike.
2. Explore therapeutic alternatives – Discuss biosimilars or generic equivalents with your physician; many are now FDA‑approved for the same indications.
3. Utilize Medicare’s “Extra Help” – re‑apply annually to ensure eligibility for low‑income subsidies.

For Healthcare Providers

• Conduct price‑sensitivity assessments during prescribing – Use electronic health record (EHR) alerts that display current drug costs.
• Negotiate bundled payments for high‑cost regimens, especially in oncology and specialty care.

for Insurers & Employers

• Leverage value‑based contracts – Link reimbursement to real‑world outcomes such as progression‑free survival for cancer drugs.
• Implement tiered formulary designs that prioritize lower‑cost options without compromising efficacy.

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Policy Levers & Advocacy Opportunities

• Support the “Fair Drug Pricing Act” – Encourage legislators to adopt caps on annual price increases for drugs exceeding a 15 % inflation threshold.
• Push for FDA‑mandated price clarity – Require manufacturers to disclose the R&D, manufacturing, and marketing cost breakdown for each price change.
• Engage with the HHS “Value‑Based Pricing Task force” – Submit data on patient outcomes to influence future rebate structures.

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Future Outlook: What to Expect in 2026‑2027

1. Accelerated Biosimilar Adoption – The FDA’s 2025 “Biosimilar Pathway Expansion” is expected to bring 15 new biosimilars to market, potentially offsetting price hikes for reference biologics.
2. Increased Litigation – Early 2026 saw the first class‑action lawsuit against a major pharma firm alleging “unjustified price gouging” for a COVID‑19 booster; the settlement may set a precedent for future cases.
3. Technology‑Driven Price Monitoring – AI‑enabled platforms (e.g., pricewatch.ai) are being adopted by large health systems to predict upcoming price changes and adjust supply chain contracts proactively.

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*Sources: FDA Price Change Notification database (Nov 2025); Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) drug spending reports 2024‑2025; Congressional Research Service brief “Pharmaceutical pricing Trends” (Dec 2025); Executive Order 14137,White House (Sep 2025); Patient testimony transcripts from Senate Finance Committee hearings (Nov 2025).