Wedoany.com Report-Dec.18, The White House is preparing to disclose agreements on medication pricing with major pharmaceutical companies Novartis and Roche Holding, potentially as early as Friday. This information comes, based on insights from individuals familiar with the discussions.

The report notes that additional pharmaceutical firms might be incorporated into the announcement, with the specifics still undergoing adjustments.

The companies involved did not offer immediate responses to inquiries from Reuters seeking comments.

In the United States, individuals face substantially higher costs for prescription drugs than those in other developed nations, often paying close to three times more. President Donald Trump has been encouraging drug manufacturers to adjust their pricing to better match levels seen internationally.

In July, Trump forwarded letters to 17 prominent drug companies, requesting reductions in their prices. Pfizer and AstraZeneca became the initial participants in negotiations with the administration, committing to decrease prescription medication costs in exchange for exemptions from tariffs.

Last month, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk concluded an agreement to lower the prices of widely used GLP-1 medications intended for weight management. This arrangement covers the government's Medicare and Medicaid initiatives, along with individuals making direct payments.

Various companies have also expressed plans to distribute medications directly to patients in the U.S. and to implement discounts. These steps align with Trump's ongoing efforts to reduce drug expenses and lessen the role of intermediaries, such as pharmacies, insurance providers, and pharmacy benefit managers.

These developments reflect a continued focus on addressing prescription drug affordability in the U.S. market. By engaging with leading pharmaceutical entities, the administration aims to foster pricing structures that enhance access for patients while maintaining industry standards. The inclusion of companies like Novartis and Roche highlights the scope of these discussions, which could extend to other players in the sector as details finalize.

Such agreements build on prior initiatives, where early deals with Pfizer and AstraZeneca set a precedent for balancing cost reductions with trade considerations. The recent pact involving Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk further demonstrates targeted approaches to specific drug categories, such as GLP-1 treatments, which have seen growing demand for their applications in health management.

Overall, these pricing adjustments are part of broader measures to align U.S. drug costs more closely with global benchmarks, potentially benefiting a wide range of patients through government programs and direct purchasing options. As the announcement approaches, stakeholders anticipate clarity on the full extent of the deals and their implications for the healthcare landscape.