On Thursday, former President Donald Trump launched TrumpRx.gov, a new digital platform aimed at offering popular medications in the United States at potentially the "lowest prices worldwide." This move marks a significant part of Trump's efforts to tackle the high cost of medications, a major concern for American voters as midterm elections approach.
Understanding TrumpRx.gov: What Does It Offer?
Contrary to initial assumptions, TrumpRx.gov is not an online pharmacy where consumers can purchase drugs directly. Instead, it's a mediator platform guiding users to pharmaceutical companies' direct-to-consumer sites. Here, individuals can buy medications at reduced prices or download discount coupons for use at pharmacies.
At present, the platform provides access to 43 branded drugs, including sought-after treatments like Ozempic and Wegovy, used for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. These offerings are expected to expand over time.
Which Medications Are Available and at What Cost?
Highlighted examples from the administration include:
- Ozempic (Novo Nordisk): reduced from $1,028 to $350.
- Gonal-F, for fertility treatments: now $252, reflecting an 83% discount.
- Wegovy (Novo Nordisk): starting at $149 per month.
- Zepbound (Eli Lilly): from $299 monthly.
- Bevespi (AstraZeneca): $51.
- Xeljanz (Pfizer): $1,518.30, used for rheumatoid arthritis.
However, some drugs, like Januvia (Merck) for diabetes, were announced at $100 but weren't available at launch.
The Motivation Behind TrumpRx
TrumpRx is part of a broader healthcare policy initiative projecting Trump's administration as a proactive force in lowering living costs for American families. Trump emphasized that Americans have long paid the highest drug prices globally, essentially subsidizing costs for other countries.
The platform's foundation lies in agreements negotiated with over 15 pharmaceutical giants, including Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Merck, and Novo Nordisk, to ensure the lowest prices available in developed nations. This aligns with the "Most Favored Nation" policy.
Will It Truly Lower Costs?
Despite Trump's claims of this initiative being transformative, health experts remain skeptical. The platform is only beneficial for patients paying out-of-pocket, excluding those with insurance coverage through employers or programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Rena Conti, a health policy professor at Boston University, commented that TrumpRx might enhance access and affordability for a small demographic. Discounts range from 33% to 93% but are based on list prices, which don't always mirror what insured patients pay. The site even advises users to compare prices with their insurance plans.
Who Stands to Benefit the Most?
The primary beneficiaries appear to be uninsured patients or those with high annual deductibles. For them, direct payments might offer savings, although it depends on whether insurers count these payments toward deductibles. Some agreements, like with Express Scripts, consider such payments for out-of-pocket limits, yet regulatory changes are required.
Conversely, those with low-deductible insurance or covered medications may find no financial advantage in using TrumpRx.
Obesity Drugs: A Unique Case
The success of TrumpRx might hinge on the rising demand for weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound, often not covered by insurance, prompting patients to buy directly from pharmaceutical sites even before the official launch.
For instance, around 30% of Wegovy prescriptions are handled through Novo Nordisk's NovoCare. Similarly, Eli Lilly reported over a million users on LillyDirect in 2025, with a third of new Zepbound treatments initiated via this channel.
Potential Risks of Direct Channels
Experts warn of potential side effects from the rise of direct channels:
- Insurers might drop coverage for some medications, arguing that patients have direct access.
- Some drugs on TrumpRx have cheaper generic alternatives or are available at similar prices from discount pharmacies like GoodRx.
Vanderbilt University's Stacie Dusetzina cautioned that despite steep discounts on brand-name drugs, final prices remain unaffordable for the average person. For example, while Ozempic is marketed at $350, its price is under $100 in many countries, challenging Trump's claim of offering "the world's lowest prices."
A Political Gamble Amid Inflation
TrumpRx debuts amid high living costs in the U.S., with inflation affecting housing, food, and services. Trump aims to portray his administration as a reformer in public health, a historically challenging area for Republicans. However, it remains to be seen if TrumpRx will significantly impact voters.
"There's never been anything like it," Trump declared. Yet, many experts await evidence of this model's long-term viability.
Frequently Asked Questions About TrumpRx.gov
How does TrumpRx.gov work?
TrumpRx.gov is a mediator platform that directs patients to pharmaceutical companies' direct-to-consumer sites, allowing them to purchase medications at reduced prices or download discount coupons.
Who benefits the most from TrumpRx?
Uninsured patients or those with high annual deductibles are likely to benefit the most, as they might find savings when paying directly for medications.
What are the potential risks of using TrumpRx?
There are concerns that insurers might stop covering some drugs, and some medications on TrumpRx have cheaper generic alternatives or are already available at similar prices at discount pharmacies.