Mark Cuban, entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, recently called for significant reforms in the pharmaceutical industry to lower drug prices. During a panel discussion at the Silicon Slopes Summit in Salt Lake City, he emphasized the need to dismantle large insurance companies that prioritize profits over patient care. Cuban’s remarks came shortly after the launch of TrumpRX, a low-cost drug website promoted by former President Donald Trump, which aims to provide more affordable options for consumers.
Cuban criticized the insurance giants, stating, “Those big insurance companies are too big to care.” His comments underscored a growing concern among consumers regarding the rising costs of prescription medications. The day prior to the panel, TrumpRX debuted with claims of having a “real and immediate impact” on the prices of 43 brand-name medications. While the platform offers lower prices than competitors such as GoodRX, it lacks generic options and only accepts cash transactions, excluding purchases through insurance.
In stark contrast, Cuban’s own platform, Cost Plus Drugs, boasts an extensive inventory of over 6,000 medications, primarily generics that can cost consumers between $6 and $12, compared to the typically higher prices of brand-name drugs. Cuban humorously noted, “I’m a supporter of TrumpRX, but they reduce brand prices by 500 percent or 1,000 percent, while ‘CubanRX’ reduces prices by 1,500 percent.” He added that Cost Plus Drugs is cheaper on 90% of the drugs they both offer.
Despite his jest, Cuban acknowledged the positive impact TrumpRX has had on certain medications, particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF) drugs, which he described as a “lifesaver for a lot of couples.” This sentiment was echoed by Chris Klomp, the Director of U.S. Medicare, who participated in the panel discussion alongside Cuban. Klomp shared a personal story about his mother’s battle with cancer, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare. He stated, “This is personal,” and highlighted that many Americans suffer from chronic diseases.
Klomp also pointed to legislative action as a vital step towards achieving more affordable drug prices. He noted that approximately 65% of Americans have a chronic disease and 75% are overweight, indicating a pressing public health crisis. “We are objectively the least healthy we have ever been as a country,” he remarked.
Cuban proposed a proactive approach, suggesting that consumers should not have to wait for congressional action. He urged for the breakup of pharmaceutical companies that control drug prices, advocating for drug manufacturers to sell at net prices to wholesalers, the establishment of Medicare rates, and the assurance of deductibles for low-income individuals.
The panel concluded with a call to action for individuals to contribute positively to society. Klomp advised, “Don’t waste your time on things that don’t make the world better. Alleviate human suffering.”
As discussions around drug pricing continue, the deadline for applications for the 2026 Inc. Best Workplaces awards approaches. Interested parties must submit applications by February 20, 2026, at 23:59 PT.
