As far as I can tell, the direct effects of the order are only about drug pricing in developed countries, despite the phrasing. The text of the executive order states (bolding added):
Sec. 5. Establishing Most-Favored-Nation Pricing. (a) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Secretary shall, in coordination with the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and other relevant executive department and agency (agency) officials, communicate most-favored-nation price targets to pharmaceutical manufacturers to bring prices for American patients in line with comparably developed nations.
The reporting I’ve seen on the EO that has said anything explicitly in either direction has also suggested that it would only apply to drug pricing in developed countries—e.g. here’s the AP:
Trump’s executive order establishes a “most favored nation” pricing model should drugmakers not voluntarily lower costs. This means that the U.S. would peg the cost of prescription drugs to the lowest prices in comparably developed countries.
Here’s a post expressing concern about the potential effects on low-income countries, which still asserts that this particular order is only about drug pricing in developed countries:
In essence, the order seeks to peg the price U.S. health plans and patients pay for a medication to the lowest price a drug company offers to countries with similar income levels or development status. [...]
Although, thankfully, the order does not apply MFN provisions against low-income countries, it could inspire other nations to adopt similar clauses, especially middle-income countries, leading to serious consequences for global health systems.
As far as I can tell, the direct effects of the order are only about drug pricing in developed countries, despite the phrasing. The text of the executive order states (bolding added):
The reporting I’ve seen on the EO that has said anything explicitly in either direction has also suggested that it would only apply to drug pricing in developed countries—e.g. here’s the AP:
Here’s a post expressing concern about the potential effects on low-income countries, which still asserts that this particular order is only about drug pricing in developed countries: