STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Dems eyeing Trump MFN deals, fewer drug launches in Europe, and more

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 butter pecan with a dollop of bourbon honey (for the curious, the honey is procured locally from a family with beehives in their backyard). Meanwhile, here is the latest menu of tidbits 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. We appreciate feedback, tips, and criticism. … The incoming Democratic chairs of key committees have taken a new step toward investigating the most-favored nation drug pricing agreements between drugmakers and the Trump administration, STAT reports. The drug pricing deals are expected to be a top health care oversight priority for Democrats once they take the majority in January. Earlier this year, the top Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee and the House Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Education and Labor committees requested that companies disclose the details of the deals they struck to tie Medicaid drug prices to levels in peer countries. The Trump administration last year came up with a plan to combat high drug prices, making European governments pay more, and the result so far is that drug prices in the U.S. remain high and there are fewer new drugs in Europe, The Wall Street Journal says. There has been a 27% drop in new drug releases across European countries over the last 17 months, compared with the same period before President Trump announced the plan, according to new data from market-research firm GlobalData. Meanwhile, drug approvals in Europe have held steady over that time period. 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 View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe