5 July 2018 - In the escalating battle over U.S. prescription drug prices, major pharmaceutical companies are scrambling to limit the economic damage from a new U.S. insurer tactic that coaxes patients away from expensive drugs.

The latest move by insurers - which effectively forces drug companies to pay more to assist patients with their copays - is causing a decline in real U.S. drug prices this year, and is expected to become more widely adopted in 2019.

That reality is forcing drug makers to devise their own response in the near term, according to interviews with pharmaceutical and insurance industry executives and consultants. Among major drug makers, AbbVie and Amgen have said the most so far about the new tactic, and more drug makers will likely face questions about it during quarterly earnings calls in July.

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