The FDA will now consider drug affordability when granting companies new vouchers to speed up treatment approvals, according to Commissioner Marty Makary. This follows the agency’s June announcement of a national priority voucher plan to cut drug review times to one-to-two months for companies supporting “U.S. national interests.”

Lowering drug prices is a key goal for the Trump administration, which is considering imposing up to 200% tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals to reshore drug manufacturing. President Trump is determined to lower drug prices for Americans, who currently pay significantly more for drugs compared to other developed countries.

The FDA’s new voucher program will prioritize companies addressing health crises, delivering innovative cures, meeting public health needs, and increasing domestic drug manufacturing for national security. Drug affordability is now included as a criterion for the program, which will give out new vouchers this year.

Commissioner Makary highlighted the need for cures for Type 1 diabetes, treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, a universal flu shot, and more treatments for stage 4 cancer. The FDA may increase quick approvals for companies after a one-year pilot phase, although concerns remain about the risks of speeding up drug reviews to as little as 30 days.

Read more at CNBC: FDA to consider drug affordability when speeding up approvals: Makary