U.S. Trade Probe Puts German Drug Prices Under the Microscope as Health Innovations Advance
Published on 06/25/2026 at 15:05 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
The United States has launched a formal investigation into German pharmaceutical pricing, accusing Berlin of underfunding innovative medicines. U.S. Trade Representative Greer initiated the probe under Section 301, arguing that Germany’s reimbursement system stifles cutting-edge drug development. The move has drawn sharp criticism from European politicians, who view it as an unwarranted intrusion into national healthcare policy.
Germany, already the highest-priced drug market within the European Union—with some medications costing up to 70 percent more than in Spain—now finds itself defending its system from an American challenge. Interested parties may submit comments until August 10, with a formal hearing scheduled for September 22.
Meanwhile, a fresh wave of health studies and regulatory milestones is reshaping the pharmaceutical landscape. The Stiftung Warentest consumer watchdog evaluated 33 nail fungus treatments and delivered sobering results. Only six products earned an unqualified recommendation. Leading the list are Terbinafin nail lacquer from 1A Pharma and the Canesten Extra Nail Set, which combines bifonazole with urea. Lacquers containing amorolfine or ciclopirox received only "with restrictions" ratings. Medical devices sold in drugstores were deemed "not recommendable." For severe cases, experts advise terbinafine tablets, while systemic therapies using fluconazole or itraconazole drew more cautious appraisals.
Sleep Apnea and Obesity: New Drug Possibilities Emerge
A recent clinical trial offers hope for sleep apnea sufferers. A newly developed tablet reduced nighttime breathing interruptions by 44 percent. Some participants experienced a complete disappearance of symptoms. Researchers remain cautious, stressing that widespread use as a replacement for CPAP masks is not imminent.
In obesity treatment, Viking Therapeutics is advancing a next-generation pipeline. Following FDA clearance, the company initiated a Phase 1 study for VK3019, a dual amylin/calcitonin receptor agonist. The trial is enrolling healthy adults with a body mass index of at least 30. In parallel, Viking is developing VK2735 in a Phase 3 study, with an oral tablet formulation also in the works.
Poland Adjusts Drug Prices; Telemedicine Gains Ground in Saxony
Effective July 1, Poland’s updated drug reimbursement list reshuffles costs. Prices drop for 282 items, including the osteoporosis drug Prolia, but rise for 449 products. Allergy extracts such as Staloral and Oralair become more expensive for patients. The new list also introduces therapies for Parkinson’s disease, heart failure, and depression.
In Germany’s Saxony region, the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung clarified rules for prescription coverage during travel. Patients staying abroad longer than three months lose entitlement from statutory insurance; replacement prescriptions for lost medications are private services. To combat physician shortages in rural areas, Saxony is expanding telemedicine. Projects like the "dermatological teleconsultation" and video appointments in nursing homes are already operational. Yet billing rates for telemedicine services remain low, hampered by high certification hurdles and technical costs.
Safety Data, New Approvals, and an Experimental Addiction Therapy
The Paul-Ehrlich-Institut released pharmacovigilance data for vaccines covering 2024 and 2025, monitoring safety beyond COVID-19 products. Separately, Sanofi secured Japanese approval for its drug Wayrilz.
A pioneering study at Israel’s Rambam Health Care Campus tested focused ultrasound waves on the nucleus accumbens to treat addiction. One patient with severe opioid dependence was weaned off the drug. One week after the procedure, drug tests came back negative, and clinicians reported the patient’s craving had vanished.
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