Pharma Pulse: Novartis Warns of Trade Fragmentation; Hospital M&A Hits Record Low; Copay Shock Warning

Welcome to Pharma Pulse, a Pharmaceutical Commerce podcast where we bring you the latest insights shaping patient access, supply chain/logistics, data & tech, and healthcare innovation. I’m your host, and let’s get into today’s headlines.

• First, Novartis is sounding the alarm on a “G-Zero” world of fragmented trade policy. In an open letter, the company urges governments to move away from blunt cost-controls and unpredictable pricing that are currently stifling global life sciences innovation. They warn that without urgent structural reform, the gap in pharmaceutical R&D between the US and other advanced economies will continue to widen.
• On the provider side, hospital M&A hit a 15-year low in 2025. With just 46 announced deals, the industry saw a sharp decline from the 72 mergers reported the year prior.
• Lastly, the Journal of Managed Care and Specialty Pharmacy highlights that while financial assistance improves adherence, copay accumulators, copay maximizers, and alternative funding programs are creating major cost shocks. These programs prevent manufacturer support from counting toward deductibles, often leaving patients with thousands in surprise out-of-pocket costs once their assistance caps out mid-year.

That’s it for this episode of Pharma Pulse. For more insights on trends transforming pharmaceutical access and care delivery, visit pharmaceuticalcommerce.com.

Thanks for listening—until next time, stay well and stay informed.

You can catch Pharma Pulse directly on Audioboom, Spotify, or iHeart.