Debate On Guidelines For Canada’s Controversial Pricing Mechanism Moves To Next Phase

Drug pricing in Canada is under discussion again • Source: Shutterstock

The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board in Canada has launched the second phase of consultations on the development of new guidelines relating to its controversial drug pricing mechanism.

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A Republican think tank suggested variations of the Most Favored Nation and international reference policies in Medicare and Medicaid, as well as tariffs and other trade levers to rebalance drug pricing disparities between US countries and abroad.

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Democrats opposed the nomination because they believe Mehmet Oz will not defend Medicaid from spending cuts. His pledge to continue lowering drug costs in Medicare and Medicaid did not offset the concerns.

Branded Pharma And Generics Industries At Odds Over UK VPAG Framework

 

The UK branded drug industry is calling for adjustments to be made to the UK voluntary scheme framework for branded medicines, after the payment rate increased to 22.9% for 2025. Meanwhile, the generics industry says the scheme is functioning “as intended” and opposes any changes.

‘Hope And Scientific Spillover’ – Cross-Atlantic HTA Alliance To Focus On Novel Benefits

 

An initiative run by health technology appraisal (HTA) bodies in the US, Canada and England is looking at how non-traditional treatment benefits, such as the value of hope and scientific spillover, can inform appraisals and understanding of a product’s value.

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Gene Therapy ‘Survival Of The Fittest’ – Why Companies Need To Understand Health Systems

 

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CMS Nominee Oz Nears Confirmation Despite Concerns About Medicaid Cuts

 
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Study Shows ‘Insurer-PBMs’ Dominate Medicare Part D, Steer Patients to Their Pharmacies

 
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