Session (CTI)

**Issue** Most Favoured Nation (MFN) pricing policies and international price alignment mechanisms are increasingly shaping pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement discussions worldwide. Governments view these approaches as tools to improve affordability and strengthen negotiating power. However, concerns are growing that reliance on international price benchmarking may create unintended consequences for patient access, innovation incentives, and global launch strategies. Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) provides a particularly relevant case study. Due to widespread use of external reference pricing, many CEE countries are highly sensitive to pricing decisions made elsewhere. As manufacturers face pressure to coordinate prices across markets with different economic capacities, lower-priced countries may experience delayed launches and reduced access to innovative medicines. **Overview** This issue panel will examine whether MFN-style pricing policies can achieve affordability objectives without undermining access to innovation. Using CEE as an example of a region particularly exposed to international pricing dynamics, panelists representing global market access, HTA, healthcare policy, and payer perspectives will debate the implications of international price alignment for affordability, equity, innovation, and healthcare sustainability. The discussion will explore whether international price benchmarking improves market efficiency and affordability or whether it discourages manufacturers from launching products in lower-income countries and contributes to access inequalities. Each panelist will deliver a 10–15-minute presentation, followed by a moderated discussion and audience debate. The session will identify practical approaches to balancing affordability with sustainable access to innovative therapies.