STAT+: Rare disease drugmakers try to avoid Trump price cuts

STAT PlusNewsletterD.C. Diagnosis Rare disease drugmakers try to avoid Trump price cuts You’re reading STAT’s D.C. Diagnosis newsletter Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By John WilkersonJuly 21, 2026 Washington Correspondent 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. You’re reading the web edition of D.C. Diagnosis, STAT’s twice-weekly newsletter about the politics and policy of health and medicine. Sign up here to receive it in your inbox on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “You best step back before I bust a smack, yak!” That’s not what RFK Jr. said before fending off a shaggy beast with a phone thump to the nose, but it would’ve been cooler if he did. Send news tips and missed opportunities to [email protected] or John_Wilkerson.07 on Signal.Advertisement Messaging wars: affordability vs. fraud Rising out-of-pocket health care costs remain voters’ top health priority overall, but Republicans are more worried about fraud in government health programs, according to a KFF poll. 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 biotechnology, Congress, Drug prices, health care costs, HHS, Pharmaceuticals, Policy, STAT+ 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 Biotech July 21, 2026 STAT Plus: Broad Institute, partners unveil new initiative to develop gene therapies for rare diseases The Readout July 21, 2026 STAT Plus: Anthropic deepens work with rare disease drugs Advertisement Pharma July 21, 2026 STAT Plus: Makers of rare disease drugs seek exemption from Trump’s price-cut pilots 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 Subscriber Picks