US probe launched into German drug pricing policies

The US Trade Representative (USTR) has launched a Section 301 investigation into Germany’s pharmaceutical pricing policies, escalating a dispute over how the costs of innovative medicines are shared between the USA and other wealthy markets.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the investigation would examine whether what USTR described as Germany’s “persistent underpayment” for innovative pharmaceutical products is unreasonable or discriminatory, and whether it burdens or restricts US commerce.