UK advocacy groups threaten legal action over pharma trade deal provision on medicine cost-effectiveness

Two UK advocacy groups are demanding that the government reverse regulations embedded in a newly finalised pharma trade agreement with the United States. They argue the provision could let external parties influence official cost‑effectiveness assessments for medicines, and have warned they will pursue court action if the rules are not withdrawn.

The trade deal, signed last month, obliges the US to impose zero tariffs on medicines exported from the UK for at least three years, giving the UK unique tariff‑free access to the US market. In exchange, the UK pledged to raise its spending on medicines from 0.3% of GDP to 0.35% by 2028.

The groups contend that the cost‑effectiveness clause undermines the integrity of the UK's health technology assessment process, raising concerns about transparency and potential industry influence over pricing decisions.