Why direct-to-consumer sales are unlikely to significantly lower drug costs

Taking stock of the drug industry, from the lab to the medicine chest

August 19, 2025 Check out STAT+

Sponsored By

By Ed Silverman Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer

Molly Ferguson for STAT STAT+ | Why direct-to-consumer sales are unlikely to significantly lower drug costs Some experts say the move is unlikely to significantly help consumers, but see no harm in it. Others worry it could let the pharma industry off the hook. By Elaine Chen STAT+ | Viking Therapeutics oral weight loss drug hits mark in mid-stage trial but disappoints investors But new data from a clinical trial, including side effect and discontinuation rates, disappointed investors on Tuesday. By Allison DeAngelis STAT+ | Trump may push hard for lower drug prices using a tool created by Democrats D.C. insiders expect Trump to amp up the Medicare drug price negotiation program established by Biden in effort to exceed last year's 22% reduction. By John Wilkerson

More around STAT

Check out more exclusive coverage with a STAT+ subscription Read premium in-depth biotech, pharma, policy, and life science coverage and analysis with all of our STAT+ articles.

---

Enjoying Pharmalot? Tell us about your experience Continue reading the latest health & science news with the STAT app Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play

STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA ©2025, All Rights Reserved. I no longer wish to receive STAT emails

Update Newsletter Preferences     •    Contact Us     •    Advertise with Us     •    View in Browser