Global Payer Policies Potentially Impacting Pharma Pricing and Market Access Strategies: A Review of Five Key Trends Shaping Pharma Future
Author(s)
Nikhil Taxak, PhD1, Shrinivas Mukku, PhD2.
1Access Infinity Ltd, Hyderabad, India, 2Access Infinity Ltd, London, United Kingdom.
1Access Infinity Ltd, Hyderabad, India, 2Access Infinity Ltd, London, United Kingdom.
OBJECTIVES: The global payer environment is undergoing transformative changes, driven by new policy introductions and significant updates to the existing frameworks. These shifts are poised to reshape pricing and market access (P and MA) strategies for pharmaceutical companies, influencing their in-line assets and planned portfolios. We explored how these payer policies will impact pharmaceutical manufacturers and patient access to innovative therapies.
METHODS: Secondary research was conducted to identify and analyse global P and MA policies published in laws, decrees, gazettes, memorandums, etc. since Q4 2024. We analysed highly impactful trends focusing on their individual opportunities and challenges, particularly from the lens of pharmaceutical manufacturers.
RESULTS: This research discussed five key trends: (i) US: Most Favored Nation (MFN) Executive Order; (ii) Germany: end of International Reference Pricing (IRP) as part of medical research act and updates to the drug list subject to the mandatory brand-brand combination discount; (Iii) France: French Social Security Financing Law (LFSS 2025) emphasised on the cost containment measures and increasing pricing pressure for pharma manufacturers; (iv) Spain: publication of financing reports on inclusion of new medicines into national health service (NHS) and publication of the preliminary Draft Law on Medicines and Health Products; and (v) UK: updates to the Highly Specialised Technologies’ appraisal process.
CONCLUSIONS: These payer policies emphasise on the patient access, cost-containment strategies, adaptations to Health Technology Assessment (HTA) frameworks and healthcare spending reflecting a broader trend towards more rigorous evidence evaluation processes aimed at ensuring that new therapies deliver substantial value to both patients and the healthcare system. These will potentially impact stakeholders across the healthcare value chain, from policymakers to patients. Consequently, it is crucial for pharmaceutical manufacturers to monitor and adapt the dynamics of such policies to effectively navigate this evolving environment by proactive steps such as early engagement in policy discussions.
METHODS: Secondary research was conducted to identify and analyse global P and MA policies published in laws, decrees, gazettes, memorandums, etc. since Q4 2024. We analysed highly impactful trends focusing on their individual opportunities and challenges, particularly from the lens of pharmaceutical manufacturers.
RESULTS: This research discussed five key trends: (i) US: Most Favored Nation (MFN) Executive Order; (ii) Germany: end of International Reference Pricing (IRP) as part of medical research act and updates to the drug list subject to the mandatory brand-brand combination discount; (Iii) France: French Social Security Financing Law (LFSS 2025) emphasised on the cost containment measures and increasing pricing pressure for pharma manufacturers; (iv) Spain: publication of financing reports on inclusion of new medicines into national health service (NHS) and publication of the preliminary Draft Law on Medicines and Health Products; and (v) UK: updates to the Highly Specialised Technologies’ appraisal process.
CONCLUSIONS: These payer policies emphasise on the patient access, cost-containment strategies, adaptations to Health Technology Assessment (HTA) frameworks and healthcare spending reflecting a broader trend towards more rigorous evidence evaluation processes aimed at ensuring that new therapies deliver substantial value to both patients and the healthcare system. These will potentially impact stakeholders across the healthcare value chain, from policymakers to patients. Consequently, it is crucial for pharmaceutical manufacturers to monitor and adapt the dynamics of such policies to effectively navigate this evolving environment by proactive steps such as early engagement in policy discussions.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
HPR108
Topic
Health Policy & Regulatory
Topic Subcategory
Pricing Policy & Schemes, Reimbursement & Access Policy
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas