The U.S. federal government has identified 15 additional high-expenditure drugs to undergo price discussions aimed at lowering costs for the Medicare system. This initiative continues the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), moving forward alongside other drug pricing strategies currently pursued by the administration.
A notable shift in this latest selection is the inclusion of Medicare Part B medications—treatments typically administered by healthcare professionals in clinical settings. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) confirmed that the list encompasses major products used to treat oncology, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and respiratory conditions:
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Oncology treatments: Kisqali, Lenvima, Erleada, and Verzenio.
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Immunology and autoimmune drugs: Cosentyx, Cimzia, Orencia, Xeljanz, and Entyvio.
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Other specialties: HIV treatment Biktarvy, diabetes medication Trulicity, respiratory inhaler Anoro Ellipta, allergy drug Xolair, antipsychotic Rexulti, and Botox brands.
Furthermore, the diabetes drug Tradjenta is set for its first price renegotiation after being featured in the previous year’s cycle. Data shows that these 15 medications accounted for approximately $27 billion in Medicare spending (roughly 6% of total drug expenditures) between late 2024 and late 2025, reaching nearly 1.8 million beneficiaries.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers have until the end of February 2026 to commit to the negotiation process. The resulting adjusted prices are slated to take effect at the start of 2028. Despite industry pushback and ongoing legal challenges, the government remains committed to this path, while simultaneously advancing the “most favored nation” policy to align domestic drug costs with international benchmarks.