STAT+: As the U.S. looks on, European countries feel growing pressure on drug prices

STAT PlusPharma As the U.S. looks on, European countries feel growing pressure on drug prices Two of the region’s biggest economies are taking divergent approaches Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Andrew JosephJune 10, 2026 Europe Correspondent Andrew Joseph[email protected]Andrew covers the biopharma industry, scientific research, and public health across the continent. You can reach Andrew confidentially on Signal at drewqjoseph.71. LONDON — In Europe, two divergent paths are emerging as countries grapple with what to do about drug prices, affecting pharma companies and patients across the continent — and testing the influence of the U.S. In the U.K., after a pressure campaign from both pharma companies and the Trump administration, the government has adopted more industry-friendly policies while also simply promising to spend more on medicines.Advertisement Germany, another of the continent’s biggest markets, is headed in the opposite direction. Facing growing deficits in its health budget, the government has proposed moves that would cut spending and increase the fees the industry has to pay. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the pharma industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In biotechnology, drug pricing, Pharmaceuticals, Policy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Andrew Joseph Europe Correspondent Andrew covers the biopharma industry, scientific research, and public health across the continent. You can reach Andrew confidentially on Signal at drewqjoseph.71. Newsletter Your morning rundown of the science, politics, and money driving biotech today Recommended Health June 10, 2026 Are Republicans turning against medications for treating opioid addiction? D.C. Diagnosis June 9, 2026 STAT Plus: Trump’s health care affordability czar takes aim at hospitals Advertisement Politics June 9, 2026 Trump administration warns more than 500 hospitals to provide more price information or face fines Politics June 9, 2026 STAT Plus: NIAID appoints new acting director after weekslong questions over leadership Politics June 9, 2026 STAT Plus: NIH staffers published a letter of dissent a year ago. They feel it’s been ignored Subscriber Picks