Trump pressure to hike UK drug prices could cost NHS billions, experts warn
Experts warn Trump drug price demands will risk NHS patient care
- Experts warn that pressure from US President Donald Trump to increase UK drug prices could cost the NHS billions and negatively impact the majority of its patients.
- The Nuffield Trust health think tank urged the government to resist demands from pharmaceutical companies, saying a new deal would lead to further price increases and more expensive healthcare.
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly considering increasing the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) threshold for new drug spending by 25 per cent to avert new US tariffs.
- The Nuffield Trust argues the current NICE threshold is already too high for value for money, as it diverts funds from essential services like GP appointments and elective surgery.
- The think tank also challenged pharmaceutical companies' threats to withdraw investment, saying there is no evidence that drug prices or adoption rates influence investment decisions.