UK's December 2025 VPAG Metrics Reveal Mixed Outcomes for Pharmaceutical Industry
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. 
