Business · Companies · 11 hrs ago
Swiss pharma warns US price pressure will continue despite Democrats’ gains
Swiss pharma companies face continued pressure to lower US drug prices under President Donald Trump’s plans to tie prices to those in other countries.
The policy could affect companies such as Roche and Novartis, whose new medicines have often been priced higher in the United States.
Democrats’ midterm gains could block the plan from becoming law, but Trump can still impose it by executive order while he is president.
Deals signed by 26 leading drug companies run through the end of 2028 and require them to align US prices for new medicines with prices elsewhere.
The Swiss industry says it needs to raise prices at home to protect access to the US market, while warning that companies could otherwise delay launches, cut investment or move clinical trials.
Switzerland ranks third in a study of pharmaceutical competitiveness, behind Ireland and the United States, but has lost ground in productivity and innovation.
A Swiss government working group is due to propose improvements by year-end, while officials also seek to avoid higher health insurance premiums.
A Swiss pharma industry group says US pressure on drug prices will remain high despite Democrats’ gains in the midterm elections.
The 26 leading drug companies, including Roche and Novartis, have agreements with the US government to align launch prices with those in other countries through the end of 2028.
Scienceindustries says Swiss prices for new medicines need to rise to protect access to the US market.
A study commissioned by the group ranks Switzerland third in pharma competitiveness, behind Ireland and the United States.
Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider also wants a solution, but one that does not raise health insurance premiums.
- Who
- Scienceindustries, representing the Swiss pharma industry, says pressure on drug prices will continue.
- What
- The group says Swiss drug prices need to rise, even after Democrats’ midterm gains.
- When
- The article was published on November 4, 2026. The companies’ agreements run through the end of 2028.
- Where
- Switzerland and the United States.
- Why
- US policy and company agreements keep pressure on prices, while the industry says higher Swiss prices are needed to protect access to the US market.
Swiss pharma industry
Elisabeth Baume-Schneider
Drug prices
Swiss pharma industry
Scienceindustries says Swiss prices for new medicines need to rise to protect access to the US market.
Elisabeth Baume-Schneider
The health minister wants a solution that does not raise health insurance premiums.
The US president increased pressure on Swiss pharma companies with tariff threats and a proposed reference-price system.
Watson reported that Democrats’ midterm gains had not eased the industry’s concerns about US drug-price pressure.
Agreements with the US government require 26 leading drug companies to align prices for new launches with those in other countries.
A Swiss government working group is due to present a report with proposals to improve the country’s competitiveness.
- US investment announcements
- More than $75 billion
- Companies with US agreements
- 26 leading drug companies, including Roche and Novartis
- Agreement period
- Through the end of 2028
- Switzerland’s competitiveness rank
- 3rd, behind Ireland and the United States
- Government report
- Due by the end of the year
What people are saying
These contracts are valid and ongoing. That is why pressure on our industry remains high.
The Democrats focus more on direct negotiations than on reference prices for drug prices.
Not stated