STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Trump’s plan for tariffs on generics, a Merck and Gilead HIV pill, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Trump’s plan for tariffs on generics, a Merck and Gilead HIV pill, and more U.S. plan to impose steep tariffs has unsettled Indian generics makers Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJuly 22, 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. Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the middle of the week. Congratulations on making it this far, and remember there are only a few more days until the weekend arrives. So keep plugging away. After all, what are the alternatives? While you ponder the possibilities, we invite you to join us for a needed cup of stimulation. Our choice today is blueberry cobbler, one of our pantry favorites. Meanwhile, here are a few items of interest to help you on your way. We hope you conquer the world and have a wonderful day. And as always, please do stay in touch. … President Trump plans to impose tariffs on imported generic medicines, his latest threat aimed at bringing pharmaceutical manufacturing back to the U.S., The New York Times points out. The planned levy will start at 100% in August 2028, Trump said in a social media post. He said it would rise to 200% in August 2029, months after the end of his second term. He has repeatedly threatened steep tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals but has not followed through on imposing them. Doctors and supply chain experts have been sharply critical of the idea of taxing imported generics, saying it threatened to raise costs, spur rationing and lead to shortages of crucial drugs. Until now, the administration had said that generic drugs would be exempted from tariffs.Advertisement Meanwhile, Trump’s plan to impose steep tariffs on generic medicines has unsettled Indian drugmakers and put the spotlight on their strategy in their biggest export market, Bloomberg News tells us. Indian drugmakers are the largest source of generic therapies for the U.S. In 2024, medicines from India accounted for more than half of all prescriptions for birth control, antidepressants, and hypertension treatments. India, often dubbed the “pharmacy of the world,” also hosts the highest number of manufacturing plants approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration outside the U.S. 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 pharmalittle, 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 Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Pharmalot July 21, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Novo suing Lilly over ‘deceptive’ ads, a fugitive’s secret life in biotech, and more Pharmalot July 21, 2026 STAT Plus: Novo Nordisk sues Eli Lilly over GLP-1 drug ads it calls ‘deceptive’ Advertisement Pharmalot July 20, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a telehealth firm and patient safety, PBMs overcharging, and more Pharmalot July 20, 2026 STAT Plus: State audit of Medicaid records points to methods used by PBMs to obscure drug costs Pharmalot July 17, 2026 STAT Plus: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings Subscriber Picks