ISTANBUL

US President Donald Trump said Friday that AstraZeneca would lower the prices of its drugs sold in the US.

In a news conference at the White House, Trump noted that reducing drug prices was one of the most important agenda items of his presidency, pointing out that Americans have paid the “highest prices anywhere in the world” for drugs.

"AstraZeneca, the largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in the United Kingdom, is committing to offer Americans major discounts on their vast catalog of prescription drugs, one of the great companies, by the way, and a most favored nation's pricing clause,” said Trump.

“So, most favored nation is you're going to pay whatever the lowest price anywhere in the world is. That's what you're going to be paying," he added.

Trump explained that similar drugs are sold at much more affordable prices in different countries, whereas prices in the US are high.

“In addition, all medications AstraZeneca introduces to the American market going forward, will also be sold at these heavily discounted rates. Furthermore, AstraZeneca will invest $50 billion in the United States over the next five years for research and development of new drugs and to onshore manufacturing facilities across the country.”

Trump announced Sept. 30 that Pfizer would lower the prices of its drugs sold in the US. "Pfizer has agreed to offer countless prescription medications and major discounts in the United States as a result of the most favored nation drug pricing model that we established early this year," he said.