Prescription drug prices as measured by the US consumer price index shrank slightly over the first 10 months of 2018, something not even seen in 2013, the year after $35bn worth of drug sales became subject to generic erosion. US drug firms are to increase prices next year after an agreement to delay increases expired . Merck is to raise the cost of five drugs , including immuno - oncology drug Keytruda in 2019 , while Pfizer has said the new year will be " business as normal " with regard to prices , with other companies expected to follow their lead . Global prices dipped by 2 % in 2017 and big pharma will be expected to make up for any lost growth . Congressional hearings on drug costs are due next year , which may affect companies ' ability to raise prices .
US drug firms are to increase prices next year after an agreement to delay increases expired . Merck is to raise the cost of five drugs , including immuno - oncology drug Keytruda in 2019 , while Pfizer has said the new year will be " business as normal " with regard to prices , with other companies expected to follow their lead . Global prices dipped by 2 % in 2017 and big pharma will be expected to make up for any lost growth . Congressional hearings on drug costs are due next year , which may affect companies ' ability to raise prices .