Landmark UK–US pharmaceuticals deal to safeguard medicines access and drive vital investment for UK patients and businesses

4th December 2025

Landmark UK–US pharmaceuticals deal to safeguard medicines access and drive vital investment for UK patients and businesses

Summary: The deal grants the UK a 0 % tariff on pharmaceutical exports to the US — a first of its kind.  In return, the UK government has committed to increasing its spending on innovative medicines, including raising the cost-effectiveness threshold used by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which could make more high-value treatments (e.g. for cancer or rare diseases) eligible for NHS approval. The agreement is also expected to attract fresh investment and safeguard thousands of UK jobs in life sciences, while giving UK manufacturers and exporters stronger incentives. 

Link: Landmark UK–US pharmaceuticals deal to safeguard medicines access and drive vital investment for UK patients and businesses GOV.UK

Back to Recent News