J&J CEO on Trump's Pharma Agenda: Balancing Innovation and Affordability

Johnson & Johnson CEO Joaquin Duato recently sat down with CNBC to discuss the company's ongoing collaboration with the Trump administration on improving healthcare access and affordability in the United States. The conversation highlighted the efforts to balance innovation with the need for more reasonable drug costs. "We are engaging with this administration and sharing the same goal," Duato stated, emphasizing the importance of finding solutions to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for American patients. He pointed to the fact that the net prices of pharmaceuticals in the US and Europe are becoming increasingly similar, suggesting progress in this area. Furthermore, he noted that American patients often receive access to new cancer therapies two or three years earlier than their European counterparts. However, Duato also acknowledged challenges within the US healthcare system. He noted that intermediaries currently capture 58% of the value chain. This observation underscores the need for systemic reform to ensure that cost savings are passed on to patients. The interview concluded on a positive note, with Duato expressing confidence that through continued constructive engagement, solutions can be found to address these complex issues and ensure better healthcare outcomes for all Americans.