‘Expanding dual pricing under review to mitigate risks’

to mitigate risks associated with introducing innovative medicines in Korea

MOHW “Strongly agrees on the need for expanding dual pricing… will actively review the agenda”

MOHW responds so to MFN drug pricing countermeasure inquiries made by Offices of Representatives Ye-Ji Kim and Jia Han

The Ministry of Health and Welfare has expressed its commitment to actively review plans to expand the dual drug pricing system to resolve risks associated with the introduction of innovative new drugs.

 

The MOHW expressed consensus on the need for the expansion as a countermeasure to the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) drug pricing system introduced by the Trump administration in the United States.

 

Responding to a written inquiry from lawmakers Ye-ji Kim and Jia Han of the People Power Party during the National Assembly audit on the 21st, the MOHW stated that it is reviewing measures for improvement.

 

The lawmakers asked what concrete measures the government plans to take to mitigate risks posed by other countries, referencing Korea’s drug prices.

 

The Ministry stated, “As the domestic launch of new drugs could be postponed or delayed if Korea becomes a reference country, we agree on the need to expand the dual pricing system to enhance patient access to treatments.

 

We will prepare countermeasures.” It explained that it is reviewing plans to expand the current dual drug pricing system by gathering industry opinions.

 

The Ministry expressed its commitment to the task, stating, “We will actively review plans to expand the dual drug pricing system to resolve the risk related to introducing innovative new drugs domestically.” Regarding the proposal to expand the risk-sharing system beyond anticancer drugs to cover new drugs for chronic diseases and other conditions, it responded that it would review reasonable systemic improvements.

 

“In August last year, we revised the system to allow new drugs for severe, irreversible chronic diseases that significantly impair quality of life to also apply for RSA.

 

We will continue to review rational policy improvements through expert consultation and on-site feedback.”