Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: The annual Global Access Report tracks the availability and uptake of innovative new medicines across 50 global markets. One issue in this year’s analysis focuses on Europe’s lagging performance in global access—particularly the United Kingdom—by comparing the share of new medicines launched, access timelines, and uptake across markets. The study highlights where high income public health systems, including NHS England, are falling behind in giving patients timely access to innovation.
METHODS: The analysis covers medicines launched globally between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2023, approved by the FDA, PMDA, or EMA. Access was assessed in the US, Germany, France, and the UK based on public reimbursement status, time to launch, and per capita uptake. NICE recommendations were evaluated for access restrictions relative to full marketing authorizations.
RESULTS: Our preliminary findings indicate a lower share of new medicines were made available in Europe—particularly the UK. The US led in access, while the UK experienced a year-over-year decline in launches. On average, new medicines reached the UK 15 months after global launch—compared to 4 months in the US, 12 in Germany, and 17 in France. UK public reimbursement took even longer—averaging 8 months—compared to 0 months in the US, 1 month in Germany, and 8 months in France. NICE “optimized” recommendations further restricted access. NHS England showed consistently lower uptake, especially in high-need areas like oncology and rare diseases.
CONCLUSIONS: This year’s Global Access Report reveals a growing access gap for innovative medicines in Europe, driven by launch delays and reimbursement hurdles. The UK, in particular, continues to fall behind. Delays combined with HTA-based restrictions mean fewer new therapies reach UK patients compared to those in Germany, France, and the US. These findings raise urgent questions about the long-term capacity of NHS England and similar systems to ensure equitable access to innovation.