What's Happening?
The UK's Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAG) metrics, reviewed in December 2025, have shown mixed results for the pharmaceutical industry. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Association of the British
Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) noted a modest recovery in clinical trial recruitment, although it remains incomplete. There was significant growth in new active substance sales, which is positive for pharmaceutical companies. However, the metrics also highlighted challenges, such as increased durations for NICE technology appraisals and a higher rate of terminations of these appraisals by companies. The metrics also showed a decline in new-medicine sales growth and a slowdown in the use of newer branded medicines. These findings are part of a broader review prompted by high payment rates and changes from the UK/USA pharmaceutical trade deal.
Why It's Important?
The VPAG metrics are crucial for understanding the current state and future direction of the UK's pharmaceutical industry. The modest recovery in clinical trial recruitment is a positive sign, potentially leading to more innovative treatments reaching the market. However, the increased duration of NICE appraisals and higher termination rates could delay patient access to new medicines, impacting public health outcomes. The decline in new-medicine sales growth suggests potential challenges for pharmaceutical companies in maintaining revenue streams. These metrics also reflect the broader implications of the UK/USA trade deal, which aims to boost the UK's pharmaceutical sector by increasing spending on medicines and adjusting cost-effectiveness thresholds. The outcomes of these metrics will influence policy decisions and industry strategies moving forward.
What's Next?
Future metrics will likely focus more on real-world outcomes, such as the number of medicines reaching patients in routine NHS care. This shift aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of pharmaceutical policies on patient access and health outcomes. The ABPI plans to re-run its Medicines Impacts and Investment Survey in late 2026 to gather more data on industry sentiment and priorities. Additionally, the ongoing implementation of the UK/USA trade deal will continue to shape the pharmaceutical landscape, potentially leading to further adjustments in VPAG metrics and industry practices.
