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 undertaking to delay increases expired. Merck is to raise the cost of five drugs, including immuno-oncology treatment Keytruda in 2019, while Pfizer has said the new year will be "business as normal" with regard to pricing, with other companies expected to follow their lead. Global prices dipped by 2% in Q3 and big pharma will be seeking to make up for any lost growth. Congressional hearings on drug costs are due next year, which may affect companies' ability to raise prices.