Pharma Firm Astellas Criticizes German Drug Discount Proposal
Astellas representative Dominik Rosz expresses concern over Germany's proposed "dynamic manufacturer discount," which he argues is mathematically and politically unsound and could harm patient drug access.
Dominik Rosz, Lead Pricing and Access Strategy at pharmaceutical company Astellas, has criticized the German government's proposal for a new "dynamic manufacturer discount" as part of a planned savings package for the statutory health insurance system (GKV). Rosz argues that the proposed calculation method artificially and long-term drives up the mandatory discount.
Rosz warns that the new model will make Germany less attractive for introducing new medicines. He believes this could hinder one of Germany's few growing industrial sectors and slow economic growth.
"The proposed calculation is flawed and leads to an unreasonable increase in the discount," Rosz stated. "It indirectly ties the pharmaceutical industry's revenue growth to Germany's general economic growth, which is contrary to the industry's nature of traditionally strengthening the economy even during crises."
Rosz expressed concern that policymakers have not understood the proposal's complexity and its real consequences. He believes the model could jeopardize not only investments in Germany but also drug supply across the European Union. He urges the government to reconsider its decisions.