May 24, 2025
💊 U.S. Prescription Drug Spending Hits $806B in 2024
+10.2% Increase Driven by Weight Loss Meds
Prescription drug spending in the U.S. jumped 10.2% in 2024, reaching $806 billion, according to the ASHP. The surge is fueled by skyrocketing demand for GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic & Wegovy), now the #1 drug category and fastest-growing segment.
“GLP-1s are changing metabolic care—but they expose supply chain risks.”
— Eric Tichy, PharmD, ASHP
2025 Spending Watchlist:
- Cancer treatments: High-cost therapies drive up oncology spend
- Vaccine fallout: Anti-vax trends may shift costs elsewhere
- Generics & biosimilars: Could ease price pressure (Entresto patent expires)
- Tariffs & shortages: Supply chain issues may hike prices on key drugs
Employer Takeaway:
Rising drug costs = higher healthcare spend. Fight back by:
Educating employees on benefits Promoting generics Helping navigate coverage options
If you would like to talk more about this, give us a call at 520-721-4848
