STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about U.S. pressure on European drug prices, longer shortages, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about U.S. pressure on European drug prices, longer shortages, and more U.S. judge denied a pharma challenge to a Washington law trying to reduce hospital drug prices Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJune 10, 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 delightful cup of stimulation. Our choice today is maple cinnamon French toast, a pantry favorite. Remember that no prescription is required — so no need to reach for your abacus to calculate a co-pay or rebate. Meanwhile, here is the latest menu of tidbits to help you on your way. Have a wonderful day, and please do stay in touch. … The number of prescription drug shortages in the U.S. fell by 23% last year, marking the second consecutive year of declines and the lowest level since 2017, according to a new analysis that otherwise found troubling signs about medicines that are in short supply, STAT says. For instance, the average drug shortage lasted 5.3 years, exceeding the 4.3 years seen in 2024 and greatly outpacing the average two-year shortage experienced in 2019. Moreover, nearly two-thirds of out-of-stock medicines were in short supply for more than three years, and 39% were unavailable for more than five years. Meanwhile, the 75 drugs that were in short supply last year spanned 130 therapeutic categories, indicating that shortages affected a wide range of diseases and patient populations.Advertisement In Europe, two divergent paths are emerging as countries grapple with what to do about drug prices, affecting pharma companies and patients across the continent — and testing the influence of the U.S., STAT explains. In the U.K., after a pressure campaign from both pharma companies and the Trump administration, the government has adopted more industry-friendly policies while also simply promising to spend more on medicines. Germany, another of the continent’s biggest markets, is headed in the opposite direction. Facing growing deficits in its health budget, the government has proposed moves that would cut spending and increase the fees the industry has to pay. 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 June 9, 2026 STAT Plus: The shortage of many medicines in the U.S. remains a ‘systemic’ problem, a new analysis finds Pharmalot June 9, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a $10.6 billion GSK deal, an AstraZeneca obesity pill, and more Advertisement Pharmalot June 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Lilly and Pfizer obesity drug data, Roche and J&J deals, and more Pharmalot June 5, 2026 STAT Plus: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings Pharmalot June 5, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Roche accusing U.S. of ‘blackmail,’ a ruling on skinny labels, and more Subscriber Picks