Swiss pharma says cost cutting could threaten drug access

Interpharma has criticized Switzerland’s latest healthcare cost-cutting package, passed in a final parliamentary vote, noting that the legislation will imperil patient access and supply security.

The so-called Cost Containment Package 2 introduces further price pressure on drugmakers, who say they already contribute 1.5 billion Swiss francs ($1.7 billion) annually in system savings through regular price reductions. Interpharma, which represents research-based pharma companies in Switzerland, warned that the measures have pushed the sector to a breaking point.

“The package delivers savings— but only thanks to the pharma industry,” said Interpharma chief executive René Buholzer. He added that: “the measures threaten the secure supply of medicines in Switzerland.”