Merck profit soars on new drugs, expects better 2017

Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier on Thursday said he’s encouraged by an initial meeting he and other pharmaceutical executives had Tuesday with Trump, who has said drugmakers have been The pharmaceutical industry has come under fire in recent months over soaring drug prices, which have been blasted by patients, doctors, politicians and others. Drug companies and investors have been alternatively worried that the Trump administration and Congress will move to reduce prices, and cheered by hopes that they will help them increase profits by reducing taxes and reducing regulations so they can bring new drugs to market faster.