Trump and Merck Strike Deal to Slash IVF Drug Costs

The White House and Merck KGaA announced an agreement Thursday aimed at dramatically reducing prices for in vitro fertilization (IVF) medications in the U.S. The effort is part of a broader push to make fertility treatment more affordable and accessible.

Under the deal, Merck — via its U.S. arm EMD Serono — will offer key fertility drugs like Gonal-f, Ovidrel and Cetrotide at 84% off list price when used together for IVF cycles. The discounted drugs will be available through TrumpRX, a proposed platform for consumers to purchase medicines directly, starting in early 2026.

In exchange, Merck will be protected from future industry-specific tariffs, contingent on investments in U.S. manufacturing and research. The company also plans to seek accelerated FDA approval for its fertility drug Pergoveris, using a special priority review voucher program to shorten the review period to just one or two months.

On Thursday, President Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitment to expanding access to fertility care. He announced plans to permit supplemental insurance for fertility treatments and push guidance to encourage employers to offer infertility coverage as a workplace benefit.

Officials estimate the new discounts could save families around $2,200 per IVF cycle.