The Inflation Reduction Act Is Negotiating the United States Out of Drug Innovation

The Inflation Reduction Act introduced a pricing policy that gives small-molecule drugs only 9 years of market exclusivity—four fewer than their large-molecule counterparts. While aiming to reduce costs, this distinction is steering innovation away from small-molecule treatments, which are often cheaper, easier to administer, and vital for diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and rare conditions. As funding dries up and R&D projects are shelved, patients—especially in underserved communities—may face fewer treatment options. The bipartisan EPIC Act proposes a fix, aiming to restore balance in the innovation pipeline.