Pharmaceutical companies are embracing a model to reduce drug prices, but experts say it may not be as effective as initially thought.
Several major companies, including Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, have already adopted this approach. They offer discounted cash prices to patients who don’t use insurance for their blockbuster weight loss treatments and blood thinners. Other big names like Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Roche are also backing the idea.
This model has been dubbed “pharm-to-table,” but experts say it’s unlikely to make most drugs more affordable. The cash prices offered by pharma companies are not as low as what patients can get through insurance, and buying directly from companies means patients won’t contribute to their deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums.
While the idea may seem promising, health policy and drug pricing experts say it’s essential to consider the complexities of this model before making any conclusions. Further analysis is needed to determine its effectiveness in reducing healthcare costs.
Source: https://www.statnews.com/2025/08/19/direct-to-consumer-drug-costs-pharma-analysis