In a bold move amidst fraught negotiations, the UK Trade Secretary did not hold back in publicly denouncing pharmaceutical companies for what was described as “excessive pricing demands” during ongoing talks. The criticism highlights growing frustration within the government as it seeks to secure affordable drug prices without compromising access to innovative treatments. Officials stressed the need for the pharma sector to prioritize public health interests over profit margins, underscoring concerns about rising healthcare costs burdening the NHS and patients alike.

Key points raised by the Trade Secretary included:

  • Lack of transparency in setting drug prices
  • Unwillingness to engage in flexible pricing models
  • Potential impact on long-term sustainability of healthcare funding

A recent breakdown in…