Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) announced on Monday that its new flagship drug will be available in international markets at the same price as in the US.
The schizophrenia medication Cobenfy (Xanomeline and Trospium) is scheduled for a 2026 launch in the UK, priced equally to its US counterpart.
Adam Lenkowsky, BMS’s Chief Commercialization Officer, stated: “By making this commitment, we are encouraging the UK to emphasize the worth of truly innovative treatments.”
In May, Trump mentioned plans to sign an executive order targeting drug pricing to “address issues long sought by Democrats.”
He highlighted, “For years, people have questioned why prescription drugs are so costly, often much more expensive in the US than other countries,” noting in a Truth Social post that prices can be “5-10 times higher for the same drug produced in the same facility.”
“I intend to implement policies to ensure the US pays the same as countries with the lowest prices globally,” he further declared, asserting that drug prices could drop by 30% to 80% almost immediately.
Following the executive order, John Carney of Breitbart News Economics described Trump’s move as a “starting point” and a “long-term claim for national interests against a sector that has avoided scrutiny for too long.”
He pointed out that success would rely on execution, legal durability, and negotiation follow-through, stating, “Americans shouldn’t have to pay inflated prices so that other governments can pay less.”
Monday’s announcement is a positive development for patients burdened by high US drug prices.
Trump has been vocal about this issue for quite some time. In a September interview, he remarked, “In the past, a medication would cost us $100 while others pay $10. We aim to halve drug costs next year,” describing this change as “monumental” for healthcare.
Kearney pointed out that the pricing discrepancy between the US and other countries is due to most developed nations employing some form of price negotiation or regulation, unlike the US, which allows manufacturers to set their own prices.
“This isn’t how a market should operate. It’s problematic,” he commented.
Guy Oliver, general manager for Bristol Myers Squibb UK, recognized the hurdles and called for UK government involvement.
“Despite the tough commercial landscape, we are collaborating with the NHS, NICE, and other entities to ensure this drug is accessible to all eligible patients in the UK,” he said. “However, we need a fresh approach to reach this goal. We urge governments to engage with the life sciences sector to boost investment in new medicines and to fully appreciate the value innovation brings for patients and society, as well as the long-term success of the UK.”
Critically, BMS has indicated it might exit the UK market if regulators do not agree to match US prices for their drugs.
“We aim to partner with UK health authorities to make this medication available, but we’re prepared to make the tough choice to withdraw if we don’t see a better acknowledgment of the value our medicines provide,” Lenkowsky remarked.
