Trump's Drug-Price Talk Jolts Eli Lilly—Shares Slide on Drug-Pricing Concerns

By ValueTheMarkets

Oct 17, 2025

2 min read

Eli Lilly shares slid after Trump renewed vows to cut diabetes drug prices, extending losses in pre-market trading as investors weighed political risk against strong GLP-1 fundamentals.

#What Happened

Eli Lilly And Co (NYSE:LLY) shares fell 0.87% to $819.38 on Thursday, with pre-market trading indicating a further 4.8% drop to around $780, after former President Trump reiterated his pledge to sharply reduce prices for diabetes and weight-loss medications, including GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro.

The remarks pressured the broader pharmaceutical sector as investors reassessed potential policy risks tied to a second Trump administration.

#Why It Matters

Drug-pricing reform remains a significant policy overhang for pharmaceutical companies. Trump’s renewed focus on lowering prices — alongside his recently announced TrumpRx initiative and reported deal with Pfizer Inc (NYSE:PFE) — has heightened concerns that future Medicare negotiations or executive actions could impact profit margins for GLP-1 producers.

Despite the pullback, analysts noted that Lilly’s fundamentals remain strong, supported by sustained demand for Mounjaro, Zepbound, and a diversified portfolio spanning immunology, oncology, and neuroscience.

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#What to Watch Next

Investors should track developments from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)along with any emerging congressional proposals related to drug-pricing frameworks.

Key drivers for Lilly’s valuation will remain GLP-1 sales momentum, pipeline updates, and clarity on U.S. pricing policy heading into the 2026 election cycle.

#Quick Take

Eli Lilly’s decline underscores how swiftly political rhetoric can move pharma stocks. While pricing reform poses real headline risk, the company’s long-term growth remains anchored in its market-leading diabetes and obesity therapies.

Still, sustained pressure for lower list prices or expanded Medicare negotiations could challenge margins unless offset by rising global demand and continued innovation.

Important Notice And Disclaimer

This article does not provide any financial advice and is not a recommendation to deal in any securities or product. Investments may fall in value and an investor may lose some or all of their investment. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.