May 5 RxAdvocate May, 2025 — Newsletter
May Stories:
- U.S. Tariffs on Pharma Imports
- Rising Rx Costs: GLP-1s Drive Surge in U.S. Prescription Drug Spending
- Mental Health Awareness Month: Breaking the Silence
- Celebrating Mother’s Day: Honoring the Heart of the Family
- May: A Month of Graduations and New Beginnings
U.S. Tariffs on Pharma Imports
With the recent announcement that products produced outside of the United States could be subjected to tariffs, the pharmaceutical industry may be impacted. The U.S. relies heavily on international trade markets for many phases of drug production, with pharmaceutical imports totaling $212 billion in 2024.
There are various responses the drug manufacturers could implement to help alleviate the pressure that tariffs could place on the market. Increasing domestic production of raw materials may be one of the solutions that drug makers lean on but may take time to develop new manufacturing facilities to support the additional production needs.
If tariffs are imposed on portions of the international pharmaceutical industry, there is a likelihood that increased costs and drug shortages may be initially present until future changes to US manufacturing are able to be made.
IPD Analytics. Insights and Uncertainties Regarding the Impact of Tariffs on the U.S. Pharmaceutical Industry.
March 2025. https://www.ipdanalytics.com/
Rising Rx Costs: GLP-1s Drive Surge in U.S. Prescription Drug Spending
Evernorth recently published a Pharmacy in Focus report highlighting prescription drug trends. In 2024, prescription drug spending in the United States increased 8.9% to $723 billion. The projection for future years is an expectation that spending percentage increase will gradually taper but overall spending will remain high and continue to outpace inflation rates. GLP-1 therapies are a large part of the increases that have been seen over the last few years with around one-third of households covered by commercial insurance having at least one GLP-1 utilizer living under the roof. These trends are not expected to slow in the coming years as additional indications for use will expand the number of potential utilizers and younger generations are leaning heavily on GLP-1s as their preferred treatment option.
Mental Health Awareness Month: Breaking the Silence
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues, promoting mental well-being, and reducing the stigma that often surrounds mental illness. Established in 1949 by Mental Health America (MHA), this observance provides a platform for individuals, communities, and organizations to come together and advocate for better access to mental health care and support systems.
Mental health affects every aspect of life—from relationships and productivity to physical health. Yet, millions of people still face barriers when seeking help due to stigma, lack of resources, or misinformation. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), nearly one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness, but many go untreated.
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Month theme, promoted by Mental Health America, focuses on the importance of recognizing mental health as a crucial part of overall health and encourages everyone to take steps toward self-care and community support.
If you or someone you know is struggling, resources and screening tools are available at the link below. Let’s use this month not only to educate ourselves but to support each other in building a culture of compassion, understanding, and hope.
Celebrating Mother’s Day: Honoring the Heart of the Family
Mother’s Day, celebrated each year on the second Sunday in May, is a special occasion dedicated to honoring the love, strength, and selflessness of mothers and mother figures. It’s a time to reflect on the countless ways mothers support and nurture their families, often putting others before themselves.
Whether through a heartfelt card, a homemade gift, or simply spending time together, Mother’s Day is about showing appreciation for the women who have shaped our lives. It’s also a moment to recognize all types of mothers—biological, adoptive, stepmothers, grandmothers, and those who step into the role with love and care.
While one day isn’t enough to fully express our gratitude, Mother’s Day serves as a meaningful reminder to pause and say, “Thank you.” It’s a celebration of love, resilience, and the everyday acts of care that make a lasting impact.
May: A Month of Graduations and New Beginnings
May is a time of celebration as students across all levels mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It’s a month filled with caps, gowns, proud smiles, and well deserved recognition. Throughout our organization, we’re celebrating these achievements by sharing photos from graduation events and ceremonies. Join us in honoring the hard work and dedication of our graduates as we spotlight these special moments all month long.
Contact us
Orlando.Neal@rxconnectionllc.com