Midsized Biotech Firms Form Alliance to Oppose MFN Drug Pricing Policy
At a glance
- Ten midsized U.S. biotech companies launched the MBAA
- MBAA was formed in response to the Trump administration’s MFN policy
- TrumpRx.gov began offering discounted drugs in February 2026
A coalition of midsized biotechnology companies in the United States established a new advocacy group to address policy changes related to prescription drug pricing. The group, known as the Midsized Biotech Alliance of America (MBAA), was created to respond to the most-favored-nation (MFN) drug pricing policy introduced by the Trump administration.
The MBAA consists of ten member companies, including Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Travere Therapeutics, Alkermes, Alnylam, Ardelyx, BioMarin, Exelixis, Incyte, and Neurocrine Biosciences. According to STAT News, these companies joined together to protect their business interests in light of the MFN pricing initiative.
President Trump signed an executive order establishing the MFN drug pricing policy on May 12, 2025. The policy was introduced with the stated goal of aligning U.S. prescription drug prices with those in other countries. The administration has secured pricing agreements from more than a dozen large pharmaceutical firms, often including exemptions from import tariffs.
The MFN agreements between the federal government and drug manufacturers generally last for three years, as indicated in SEC filings. These deals are designed to set U.S. drug prices at levels comparable to those found internationally, according to official statements.
What the numbers show
- MFN drug pricing executive order signed on May 12, 2025
- TrumpRx.gov launched on February 5, 2026
- By February 2026, 43 drugs were available at reduced prices on TrumpRx.gov
In February 2026, the TrumpRx.gov website began offering discounted prescription medications directly to consumers. At launch, the site listed 43 different drugs available for purchase at reduced prices. This initiative was part of the broader effort to implement the MFN policy and increase access to lower-cost medications.
FactCheck.org reported that, while the administration has stated Americans are now paying the lowest drug prices worldwide due to MFN agreements, there is limited evidence of widespread savings across the market. The analysis noted that the impact of the policy on overall drug costs remains unclear based on available data.
The MBAA was formed as a direct response to these policy changes. MBAA spokesperson Alanna Temme said in a statement that the MFN policy would destroy biotech innovation in the United States. The alliance was established to represent the interests of midsized biotechnology firms affected by the new pricing rules.
Industry reaction
The MBAA announced its formation to oppose the MFN drug pricing policy, citing concerns about the policy’s effects on the biotechnology sector. The group stated that it aims to advocate for midsized companies as the new pricing framework is implemented.
According to media reports, the MBAA’s creation reflects a coordinated effort among mature biotech firms to address the challenges posed by the MFN policy. The alliance plans to engage with policymakers and stakeholders on issues related to drug pricing and industry sustainability.
* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.
Sources and further reading
- Fiercebiotech
- Biotechs, wary of being tied to Big Pharma, form new industry group
- Trump Misleads on Drug Pricing Deals - FactCheck.org
- TrumpRx - Wikipedia
- Health Innovation Leaders Respond to the Executive Order on Most Favored Nations Pricing | AZBio
- Trump's MFN drug pricing deals run 3 years, some companies say | STAT
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