Swiss pharma firms and government reach drug pricing deal

Aiming to improve drug affordability and access, the Swiss government and the pharmaceutical industry have struck a short-term deal, whereby drugmakers will withdraw price-related law suits in return for a faster drug approval process, according to the Swiss Broadcasting Corp’s International Service.

Studies show generic drug prices in Switzerland are nearly 50% higher than in other nations, according to a recent survey by Interpharma, and for drugs protected by patents, prices in Switzerland are around 12% more expensive than six comparator countries.

Interior Minister Alain Berset, whose portfolio includes health matters, welcomed the deal as “very good, balanced and mutually acceptable solution.” Speaking at a news conference on Friday (April 12), Mr Berset said patients would save up to 720 million Swiss francs ($773 million) over the next couple of years, swissinfo.ch reported.