STAT+: Makers of rare disease drugs seek exemption from Trump’s price-cut pilots

STAT PlusPharma Makers of rare disease drugs seek exemption from Trump’s price-cut pilots Exempting orphan drugs would shrink pilots that already exclude at least some major drugmakers Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By John WilkersonJuly 21, 2026 John Wilkerson, a Washington correspondent, is the author of D.C. Diagnosis, a twice-weekly newsletter about the politics and policy of health and medicine. John Wilkerson[email protected]John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John_Wilkerson.07. WASHINGTON — Biotech companies are lobbying the Trump administration to exclude treatments for rare diseases from programs that lower brand drug prices in Medicare. The Rare Disease Company Coalition met last week with the White House Office of Management and Budget to discuss two pilot programs that are part of President Trump’s plan to get drugmakers to lower prices in the United States to levels charged in other rich countries, a policy generally referred to as most-favored nation. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the pharma industry — by subscribing to STAT+. 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 biotechnology, CMS, drug development, Drug prices, Pharmaceuticals, Policy, rare diseases, research, STAT+, White House Submit a correction requestReprints John Wilkerson Washington Correspondent John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John_Wilkerson.07. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended Exclusive July 20, 2026 STAT Plus: A most-wanted fugitive appears to have been secretly working as a biotech executive The Readout July 17, 2026 STAT Plus: The end for GSK’s chronic cough treatment Advertisement Biotech July 17, 2026 STAT Plus: Can ultrasound unlock the power of gene therapy? A startup makes big claims The Readout July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA approves Merck’s oral PCSK9 drug, a first Pharma July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: Kalshi comes for biopharma, with prediction markets for clinical trials and FDA approvals Subscriber Picks