Healthcare and life sciences organizations are entering the second half of 2026 facing what many industry leaders view as a potentially transformative shift in the global pharmaceutical landscape. The growing momentum behind Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing and international reference pricing in the United States is raising fundamental questions about pricing strategies, launch sequencing, and future business models.
In our latest video, Simon-Kucher Senior Partner and Global Head of Health Christian Schuler shares his perspective on the trends shaping the sector and the priorities leadership teams should focus on through 2026 and beyond. Drawing on ongoing discussions with pharmaceutical and biotech companies around the world, he explores the implications of a changing pricing environment and what organizations should do next.
The trends shaping the pharma & biotech sector
One issue is dominating strategic discussions: MFN pricing. Proposed changes to US pricing policy could increase the influence of international reference pricing and create far greater interdependence between pricing decisions across global markets.
This shift has the potential to reshape how companies approach commercialization, market access, and launch planning. Organizations are increasingly evaluating how pricing decisions in one market could affect outcomes elsewhere, creating a more interconnected and complex global environment than the industry has traditionally experienced.
Key takeaways from the video
Where the growth opportunities are
- Pharma companies that strengthen their global pricing and market access capabilities will be better prepared to navigate a changing pricing landscape.
- Innovative pricing approaches, payment models, and patient access strategies may create new opportunities to maximize product value.
- Rethinking launch sequencing and prioritizing markets strategically could help organizations optimize commercial outcomes in a more interconnected global environment.
What leaders should prioritize
- Develop globally coordinated pricing strategies that account for growing connections between US and ex-US markets.
- Reassess commercialization plans, launch sequencing, and market prioritization decisions in light of evolving pricing dynamics.
- Focus on clearly demonstrating product value, particularly for highly differentiated therapies that address significant unmet
What lies ahead for the sector?
- MFN and international reference pricing will remain a major focus for pharmaceutical and biotech leadership teams.
- Pricing decisions will become increasingly interconnected across markets, requiring a more global approach to strategy development.
- Organizations need to balance risk management, access considerations, and commercial objectives as the policy landscape continues to evolve.
The healthcare and life sciences sector is entering a period of significant change, with pricing strategy emerging as a key source of competitive advantage. Organizations that proactively adapt to evolving market realities and take a global view of commercialization decisions will be best placed to sustain growth and profitability. Watch the full video to hear Christian’s insights on the strategic priorities shaping the healthcare sector through 2026 and beyond.
Watch the full video
