Bristol Myers Squibb Strikes Historic Deal with U.S. Government to Provide Free Eliquis to Medicaid Patients
核心洞察
Bristol Myers Squibb (搜索) announced an agreement with the U.S. government to provide Eliquis (apixaban) for free to Medicaid patients starting January 1, 2026, addressing affordability concerns for the nation's most vulnerable populations.
The company will donate more than seven tons of Eliquis active pharmaceutical ingredient to the U.S. Strategic Active Ingredient Reserve at no cost to taxpayers, strengthening domestic supply chain resilience.
As part of the deal, BMS will offer five additional medicines at approximately 80% discounts to cash-paying patients and receive three years of tariff relief while avoiding future pricing mandates.
Bristol Myers Squibb (搜索) announced a landmark agreement with the U.S. government that will provide Eliquis (apixaban), the nation's most prescribed oral anticoagulant, for free to Medicaid patients beginning January 1, 2026. The deal represents a significant step toward improving drug affordability for vulnerable populations while strengthening America's pharmaceutical supply chain resilience.
"We are taking direct action to improve the lives of millions of Americans, ensuring our nation's most vulnerable have access to this critical medicine at no cost," said Christopher Boerner, Ph.D., Board Chair and CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb (搜索).
Comprehensive Access Initiative
The agreement addresses four key priority areas identified by the Administration. Beyond providing free Eliquis to Medicaid patients, BMS will contribute more than seven tons of Eliquis active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to fill the U.S. Strategic Active Ingredient Reserve at no cost to the government or taxpayers.
The company also committed to launching new medicines with more balanced pricing approaches across developed nations and enabling direct-to-patient access for cash-paying patients to five additional medications: Sotyktu (deucravacitinib), Zeposia (ozanimod), Reyataz (atazanavir), Baraclude (entecavir), and Orencia SC (abatacept). These medicines will be available at discounts of approximately 80% off current list prices.
Clinical Impact and Market Position
Eliquis has established itself as a cornerstone therapy in anticoagulation, with more than 15 million Americans having been prescribed the medicine since its launch. The drug serves as an important treatment option for patients with atrial fibrillation (搜索) not caused by heart valve problems, helping reduce stroke and blood clot risks. It also treats blood clots in the legs or lungs and reduces recurrence risk in patients with deep vein thrombosis (搜索) and pulmonary embolism (搜索).
The medication's clinical value extends beyond individual patient outcomes. For every 100,000 patients treated, Eliquis has resulted in an estimated $3 billion in total healthcare cost savings and avoidance, including reduced hospitalization and extended rehabilitation needs.
Strategic Investment and Manufacturing
As part of BMS's broader commitment to invest $40 billion in the United States over the next five years, the company will continue expanding domestic production to support additional onshoring of BMS medicines. This manufacturing expansion aligns with the agreement's focus on strengthening American pharmaceutical supply chain resilience.
In exchange for these commitments, BMS will receive three years of tariff relief and will not be subject to future pricing mandates. The specific financial terms of the agreement remain confidential.
Regulatory Considerations
Eliquis is indicated for multiple clinical scenarios in adults, including reducing stroke and blood clot risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (搜索), preventing blood clots following hip or knee replacement surgery, and treating existing blood clots while reducing recurrence risk. The medication is also approved for pediatric use in children from birth and older for treating venous thromboembolism (搜索) after initial anticoagulant treatment.
The drug carries important safety warnings, including increased bleeding risk and potential for serious complications if discontinued abruptly. Patients must be carefully monitored for bleeding symptoms and drug interactions that could increase bleeding risk.
Eliquis is promoted through the Bristol Myers Squibb (搜索)-Pfizer Alliance, reflecting the collaborative approach that has driven its widespread adoption in clinical practice.