UK agrees higher drug prices to secure zero-tariff deal with US

The UK government has agreed with the US to pay more for innovative pharmaceuticals. In return, the UK secured zero tariffs on pharmaceuticals and ingredients it exports to the US, for at least three years.

The US had threatened a 100% levy on branded medicines from the UK. As part of the deal, the UK will raise the thresholds used by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) when evaluating the health benefits of new medicines. The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK will pay substantially more for medicines as a result.