The 2024 voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing, access and growth: payment percentage for 2026

AI Summary

The document outlines the 2024 Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG), a regulatory framework established through a partnership between the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHS England, and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). This agreement is designed to balance the needs of patients, the pharmaceutical industry, and the public health system. A central component of the guidance is the announcement of the headline payment percentage for 2026, which has been fixed at 14.5 percent. This figure represents the financial contribution participating pharmaceutical companies must make to ensure the sustainability of the healthcare budget. The core objectives of the VPAG initiative include enhancing patient health outcomes, fostering domestic economic growth, and maintaining the financial viability of the National Health Service (NHS). Unlike specific enforcement reports, this document does not list individual company violations or inspection dates; rather, it sets a systemic expectation for financial contributions from all participating entities within the branded medicine sector. The primary required action for stakeholders is to adhere to the established payment schedule to support the broader goals of clinical access and innovation within the UK pharmaceutical market.