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30th Sep 2025

Published in PharmaTimes magazine -
Innovation wait – why medicines struggle to reach patients

Despite bold ambitions in the Life Sciences Vision and NHS 10-Year Plan, uptake of new medicines remains slow. Can industry, government and providers finally bridge the gap between approval and access?

The UK stands at a crossroads in medicines policy. The government continues to champion life sciences as a central pillar of its industrial strategy, with the Life Sciences Vision and NHS 10-Year Plan both emphasising the UK’s potential as a global leader in innovation, research and patient-centred care.

Yet for industry, the reality is more complex. The breakdown of negotiations around the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) reflects this tension: companies are urged to invest in UK R&D and trials while facing financial constraints that threaten commercial viability and patient access.

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PharmaTimes Magazine

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