STAT+: Sales from controversial U.S. drug discount program rose to $100 billion last year

STAT PlusPharmalot Sales from controversial U.S. drug discount program rose to $100 billion last year Expensive medicines represented an increasing proportion of 340B spending Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJuly 14, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman[email protected]Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. Prescription medicines purchased in the U.S. under a controversial government discount program amounted to $100 billion in 2025, a 22.8% increase from the previous year, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration, which oversees the program. Expensive medicines represented an increasing proportion of spending in the 340B Drug Discount Program, accounting for $61.9 billion, or nearly 62% of all prescription drugs purchased through the program. Nearly $8.9 billion was spent on Merck’s Keytruda immunotherapy treatment, followed by more than $4.47 billion on Biktarvy, an HIV medicine sold by Gilead Sciences.Advertisement The data mark a steady rise in sales under the 340B program, which requires drugmakers to offer discounts that are typically estimated to be 25% to 50% — but could be higher — off all outpatient drugs to hospitals and clinics that primarily serve lower-income patients. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In drug pricing, hospitals, Pharmaceuticals, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Ed Silverman Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. Newsletter From the lab to the medicine chest, these are the must-read drug industry updates of the day Recommended Pharmalot July 14, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a battle between Lilly and Teva, psychedelic drugs, and more Pharmalot July 13, 2026 STAT Plus: AIDS activists slam Biden R&D deal with Gilead over HIV prevention drug patents Advertisement Pharmalot July 13, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about an RFK Jr. push against psychiatric meds, a Sanofi blood cancer drug, and more Pharmalot July 10, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about bigger drug discounts in Germany, drugmakers embracing secrecy, and more Pharmalot July 9, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about FDA commissioner contenders, a heart drug failure, and more Subscriber Picks