US patients skip half of new high-cost drugs as prices surge past $250K

A new report from the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review and West Health finds that only about one-third of patients prescribed newly launched medicines actually fill them within 30 days, with cost identified as the primary barrier.

The analysis shows the median net launch price for new drugs jumped 35% from $190,000 in 2022 to $257,000 in 2025. Moreover, roughly one in four drugs introduced in 2025 carry an annual net price above $500,000, while another 34% fall between $200,000 and $500,000.

ICER President Sarah Emond warned that the data signal a critical moment for the U.S. health‑care system, as soaring prices strain patients and payers alike. The report arrives amid ongoing White House attempts to curb drug costs and President Donald Trump’s push for a Most Favored Nation pricing approach.

These trends highlight growing affordability challenges for patients and underscore the need for policy and industry actions to address the escalating price trajectory.