Pfizer and ex-President Trump finally struck a deal on drug prices after months of acrimony and repeated deadlocks. Patient affordability, pharmaceutical profit and pricing controls were the subjects of hard bargaining by both sides before they reached an agreement.
Trump told Pfizer to lower prescription costs, and warned of new regulations if they did not comply. He held numerous meetings with executives, called in his advisors and even criticized drug prices at rallies across America. Pfizer defended its pricing strategy, arguing the needs for research and development, and demanded that government give it incentives to innovate.
Parliament Hill cinemas were filled with lobbyists from both sides as they sought to swing votes in Congress. Both the public health camp lobbied the White House to protect patients, and industrial circles said sharp cuts could freeze medical breakthroughs. This mire hampered Congress, delayed health care reform and held up the arrival of relief for families strapped by high prices for life-giving medicines.
