AstraZeneca becomes latest drugmaker to launch direct-to-consumer platform

AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN) on Friday became the latest leading drugmaker to roll out a direct-to-consumer platform in the U.S. with the launch of AstraZeneca Direct, through which the company aims to offer some of its brand-name pharmaceuticals at a sharp discount to cash-paying customers.

From Oct. 1, Astra's (NASDAQ:AZN) asthma drug Airsupra and diabetes therapy Farxiga will be available through AstraZeneca Direct for direct purchases and home delivery, the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker said, adding that their cash prices will be up to 70% lower than their list prices.

“The program complements our existing patient support services and is an important step forward in offering patients the medication they need, when and how they need it,” the company's U.S. Country President Joris Silon remarked.

The launch comes days ahead of a Sept. 29 deadline issued by the White House to drugmakers, including Astra (NASDAQ:AZN), to lower U.S. drug prices in line with President Donald Trump’s most-favored-nation policy. AstraZeneca’s (AZN) Big Pharma rivals, such as Eli Lilly (LLY), Novo Nordisk (NVO), and Pfizer (PFE), already operate DTC platforms.