The UK pharmaceutical landscape is entering a period of profound change as political and trade pressures mount. This exclusive CFRA Research report, based on an expert conference call, dives deep into the potential ramifications of U.S.-UK trade deals, revisions to the UK’s VPAG rebate system, and broader NHS reforms on drug pricing, reimbursement, and access.
Traditionally viewed as a low-margin market, the UK may soon offer new opportunities for global pharmaceutical firms as the government seeks to appease the U.S. by loosening rebate terms and expanding drug budgets. These moves come in response to the May 12, 2025 Executive Order aimed at reducing foreign free-riding on U.S. pharmaceutical innovation.
Companies such as Amgen, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Roche may see upside if the UK’s 2024 Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines (VPAG) is revised. With the Department of Health and Social Care preparing a new spending review and 10-year NHS plan, questions remain about how long-term reimbursement models, access to generics, and biosimilar pricing will evolve.
This policy shift also ties into broader economic ambitions under the UK’s Economic Prosperity Deal with the U.S., and is reinforced by the government’s push to remain a global hub for life sciences innovation.
Authors:
Laura Hobbs, Senior Vice President Health Care Policy
Monet Stanford, Senior Vice President, Healthcare Policy
What You Will Learn
- How VPAG rebate renegotiations may affect branded drug revenue
- Why U.S. tariffs and executive orders are influencing UK drug policy
- Strategic implications for generics, biosimilars, and reimbursement
- Which global pharma companies stand to benefit from policy tailwinds
- The impact of the upcoming NHS 10-year plan and DHSC spending review
Stay ahead of UK drug pricing reforms and trade-driven policy shifts. Download our full Conference Call Takeaways and Industry Outlook.