The Internationalism

Internationalism No. 86, April 2026 Page 7 From the series Industry and pharmaceuticals I Since the beginning of the 21 st century, the life sciences sector has undergone profound transformations. Great scientific and technological innovations rooted in the achievements of the 20 th century have affected the whole of the world's healthcare system, revolutionising diagnostic procedures and therapies. However, the fruits of this acceleration of scientific development only reach a minority of humanity. In many cases, the high costs and the limited number of adequate structures — think of gene and cell therapies — make them inaccessible to most of the population, which barely receives even the most basic and lifesaving medicines. Their economic sustainability is a challenge even for the more advanced healthcare and welfare systems. Biotechnology is ...

Internationalism No. 83, January 2026 Page 13 From the series Industry and pharmaceuticals The Trump administration wielded the sword of tariffs against pharmaceutical companies, with the declared aim of bringing productive activities back to America . The largest multinational life sciences firms responded with investment announcements — estimated to total $400 billion. It is not always clear whether these are entirely new allocations or whether they include capital already committed to earlier expansion plans in the US market. In any case, the expected increase in pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity in the US will take a few years to materialise. The administration nevertheless emphasised the Trump effect . The relocation of production lines to existing or newly built plants relates to some branded drugs protected by patents. Generics, which account for 90% of prescriptions in America, are not affected. Global supply chains ...

Internationalism No. 82, December 2025 Page 11 From the series Industry and pharmaceuticals On August 15 th , the White House published a long list of the most recent investments in American manufacturing. The statement emphasised the role of President Donald Trump who, with the aim of revitalising American industry [...], has spurred trillions of dollars of investments in US manufacturing, production, and innovation [ The White House, “Trump Effect: A Running List of New US Investment in President Trump’s Second Term” ]. The list includes around twenty pharmaceutical companies, which have announced a total commitment of over $340 billion in investments, more than half from European companies. Stephen Farrelly, an analyst at ING, estimates that investments in the United States announced by pharmaceutical multinationals amount to more than $400 billion [ Il Sole 24 Ore, October 15 th ]. Political pressures and old problems This i...

Internationalism No. 81, November 2025 Page 14 From the series Industry and pharmaceuticals The trade dispute between the United States and the European Union also affects the pharmaceutical sector, with a likely direct impact on the cost of treatment on both sides of the Atlantic. With the Joint Declaration of August 21 st , the White House and the European Commission announced that pharmaceutical products will also be subject to a maximum tariff of 15%. Generic drugs, including their chemical ingredients and precursors, are excluded and should not be subject to duties. Generic medicines, which are no longer protected by patents and are much cheaper than branded ones , make up the majority of medical prescriptions in the United States. A 2023 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report estimated their share at 91%. Tariffs will therefore only affect branded products, which are more innovative, expensive, and still enjoy patent protection. The producti...