STAT+: The White House declares ‘promises made, promises kept’ on lowering drug prices. Nice try

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.The Trump team can’t help itself. In recent days, the White House has been crowing about the fact that the latest Consumer Price Index showed prescription drug prices had recorded the “steepest monthly drop in more than 60 years.” To wit, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that drug prices fell 3.1% over the last 12 months ending in July, which was the steepest annual decline since 1963, and fell 0.8% from June to July, marking the third straight monthly drop. Not surprisingly, President Trump has been given all the credit by his aides. A hearty thanks went to the TrumpRx consumer website, as well as to executive actions he is said to have engineered. But like so much else in life, nothing is that simple. 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