Wrapping Up 2025 Legislation And Kicking Off 2026 With New Health Policy Priorities

By Ana Amaris, MD, MPH, Director, Health Policy Initiatives, ISPOR, Lawrenceville, NJ, USA

Review an overview of major health policy developments that unfolded in the final weeks of 2025 and sets the stage for what may influence 2026. It highlights newly announced pricing arrangements designed to align domestic drug prices with lower international benchmarks and expand discounted access across public programs.

Proposed models aimed at operationalizing international reference pricing within national insurance structures are also discussed, signaling a continued push toward cost containment. The article further explores expert perspectives on whether recently negotiated prices reflect value and how evolving pricing frameworks may reshape market dynamics. Global updates include significant regulatory reforms in Europe and expanded transparency initiatives in Asia, underscoring worldwide momentum toward tighter oversight and affordability.

The issue concludes by pointing readers to the anticipated themes of the upcoming year, emphasizing affordability, implementation of existing policies, and shifting international trends that will likely influence decision‑making throughout 2026.