STAT+: PhRMA taps Eric Cantor as new CEO

Former GOP House majority leader is becoming top drug industry lobbyist at challenging time Eric Cantor has been named as the next CEO of PhRMA.Heather Diehl/Getty Images Sept. 29, 2026 John Wilkerson, a Washington correspondent, is the author of D.C. Diagnosis, a twice-weekly newsletter about the politics and policy of health and medicine. John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John_Wilkerson.07. WASHINGTON — Eric Cantor, a former GOP House majority leader, will be the next CEO of PhRMA, the lobbying group announced Tuesday. As head of the brand drug industry’s top lobbying group, Cantor will face mounting political pressure on drug prices and an increasingly populist mood from both political parties. The Trump administration is trying to codify into law voluntary agreements that it struck with more than two dozen companies to lower U.S. pharmaceutical prices to levels in peer countries. Democrats also are interested in that most-favored nation pricing approach and are considering adding international prices to the list of criteria Medicare uses to negotiate prices. 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 John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John_Wilkerson.07.