Deal Between UK Branded Drugmakers and NHS to Cap Sales Growth

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) and the UK’s national health service reached an agreement that places a two percent growth cap on sales of branded drugs to the NHS, with drugmakers reimbursing for NHS spending that goes over the cap.

The deal could also put drugs in the hands of patients up to six months earlier by speeding up NICE appraisals, with the NHS required to fund all medicines NICE recommended for use.

While the final details are still being worked out, the ABPI said that its voluntary deal with NHS is expected to go live in January 2019.