Pharma Trade Pact: What's In It For The U. S. ?

A recent trade agreement between the U. S. and the U. K. has sparked discussions about job creation and pharmaceutical trade. The deal, which eliminates tariffs on U. K. medicines exported to the U. S. for three years, comes with a catch. In exchange, U. K. drug companies must invest more in the U. S. and create jobs. This agreement has been praised for balancing trade between the two countries. However, not everyone is happy. The American Hospital Association has filed a lawsuit to block a pilot program that changes payments for medicines bought through a federal drug discount program. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly has cut the price of its weight-loss drug, Zepbound, by up to 20% for cash-paying customers. This price cut comes as competition with Novo Nordisk heats up. The World Health Organization has also weighed in on weight-loss drugs. They've released new guidelines recommending long-term use of GLP-1 medications for adults with obesity. But they caution that these drugs alone won't solve the global obesity crisis. Lastly, some states are choosing not to cover new weight-loss drugs under Medicaid. This decision could have implications for preventing diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.