Pricing Debate

Optum Rx, one of the largest PBMs in the US, declared itself as the “first comprehensive, transparent pharmacy services company” after announcing several consumer-friendly changes.

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.

An ordinance came into effect on 8 March to ensure that joint clinical assessments can be incorporated into the German pricing and reimbursement system.

A new collaboration of health technology appraisal bodies in the US, England and Canada could lead to better alignment on HTA methodology in the future.

Some changes to the contentious social security financing bill have been made, but industry and the government remain at odds over a €1.2bn drugs overspend.

Brazil’s drug regulator ANVISA has also published its first post-marketing authorization monitoring reports on advanced therapies Yescarta, Zolgenma, Kymriah, Carvykti and Luxturna.

The Association for Accessible Medicines has urged the Trump administration not to impose proposed tariffs on the off-patent drug sector to avoid drug shortages and additional costs for manufacturers.

The Association for Accessible Medicines has urged the Trump administration not to impose proposed tariffs on the off-patent drug sector to avoid drug shortages and additional costs for manufacturers.

While the AAM encouraged CMS to impose its “clear authority” to regulate Medicare Part D formularies, the agency announced that the Trump administration will continue the second cycle of Medicare price negotiations, which has been criticized by the US off-patent trade group.

Debate on how to manage drug spending continues in France despite an ongoing disagreement between industry and the government about whether there was €1.2bn overspend on medicines in 2024.