AIFA's drug pricing overhaul faces industry and political criticism in Italy

The Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) has drafted a proposal to revise the national drug reimbursement list (prontuario). Under the plan, reimbursement would no longer be set solely by active ingredient but by broader therapeutic groups, with payment limited to the price of the cheapest active ingredient. Any price difference would be borne by patients unless manufacturers lower their prices.

The proposal has drawn strong opposition. Senate Finance Committee chairman Massimo Garavaglia (League) called it “absolutely deleterious” for the industry. Egualia chief Riccardo Zagaria warned that companies lack margins to cut prices without jeopardising supply, so patients would bear the burden. Farmindustria president Marcello Cattani said drugs with different clinical profiles cannot be compared merely to reduce SSN costs. Health Minister Orazio Schillaci has opened a dialogue, saying he will discuss the issue to safeguard citizens’ access to medicines.