1. Pink Sheet

Reference Pricing Clauses In US COVID-19 Contracts Leave Drug Industry Vulnerable

 
• By Sarah Karlin-Smith

Innovation and price controls can coexist in the United States, COVID-19 contracts show. But drug pricing experts also acknowledge the unique circumstances of COVID-19 could make such contracts hard to replicate and argue that reference-pricing strategies may have limited ability to lower prices.

international flags
COVID-19 vaccine contracts contain international reference pricing clauses • Source: Shutterstock

At least three pharmaceutical companies agreed to reference pricing language in US contracts for COVID-19 vaccines, with one company even accepting language that could give the government unilateral discretion to “determine a fair and reasonable price.”

Such contract clauses weaken some of the drug industry’s core arguments against the use of reference pricing and price controls,...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Pink Sheet for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Vaccines

More from Pink Sheet

EU Industry Proposes 3-Basket Strategy To Phase Out Animal Testing

 
• By Eliza Slawther

A “basket approach” to phasing out animal testing could help identify areas where “moonshot” research is required to implement new approach methodologies, according to EU industry federation EFPIA.

England Leads Europe In Reimbursing Vertex’s Next-In-Class CF Drug Alyftrek

 
• By Neena Brizmohun

Vertex said it reached “a broad reimbursement agreement” with the National Health Service for its once-daily, triple combination treatment for cystic fibrosis. As for reimbursement in the rest of Europe, the company is targeting Ireland, Denmark and Germany next.

Consumer Groups Have A ‘Radical Transparency’ List For US FDA’s PDUFA VIII

 
• By Sarah Karlin-Smith

Development of the user fee commitment letter largely takes place behind closed doors between industry and FDA. Outside groups see the upcoming negotiation cycle as a chance to change this and other agency information blocks by reminding Commissioner Makary of his commitment to transparency.