Senate Report Finds Most Drugmakers Raised Prices Despite Trump-Era Deals

A Senate report released on Thursday found that 15 of the 16 drugmakers participating in a Trump administration initiative have raised the prices of their prescription drugs since January 21, 2025. The report, which cites data from price tracking software NAVLIN, shows that all 16 companies increased prices on 337 drugs during this period.

The drugs affected include treatments for cancer, multiple sclerosis, and cell and gene therapies, with some annual costs rising by more than $14,000 while negotiations with the administration were ongoing.

The report also evaluated the TrumpRx online prescription drug platform, noting that it does not appear to offer significant savings to patients. It highlighted that some drugs available on TrumpRx have lower-cost generic alternatives that are not listed on the site. The report stated that the platform may direct patients toward more expensive drugs rather than the lowest-cost options.

A White House spokesperson responded by stating that the report focuses on list prices, which do not reflect the actual prices paid by patients at pharmacies. S.

gov, separate from the list prices that insurance companies pay. The report also noted that since the Trump administration began, these drugmakers have launched 23 new drugs with an average launch price of $353,000.

Additionally, the combined annual profits of these companies increased from $107 billion in 2024 to $177 billion in 2025, a 66 percent rise. The report suggests that Congress could address rising drug prices through legislation requiring drug companies to lower prices to the average level of five peer countries: Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

If companies do not comply, the government would be required to approve low-cost generic alternatives to brand-name drugs.

S. adults have used over-the-counter drugs instead of prescriptions due to cost, and about one in five have cut pills in half or skipped doses to save money. The report was released ahead of a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing focused on drug prices.

It follows a January analysis by a nonprofit drug price research firm that found companies raised prices on 872 drugs in the first two weeks of 2025.

Background and Context

The Trump administration had promoted the TrumpRx initiative as a way to reduce prescription drug costs for Americans.

However, the Senate report's findings indicate that drug prices have generally increased despite these efforts. S. and the distinction between list prices and out-of-pocket costs for patients.

Legislative Proposals and Next Steps

The report calls for legislative action to align U.

S. drug prices with those in other developed countries and to increase the availability of generic alternatives. The upcoming Senate committee hearing is expected to address these issues and consider potential policy responses to rising drug costs.