In a news story titled Companies granted extension to VPAG 2026 decision deadline, published on 25 September 2025, a joint agreement between the UK government and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) was announced. The agreement extends the deadline for companies to give notice if they plan to leave the 2024 Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG).
Previously, companies wishing to opt-out of the VPAG for 2026 had to provide notice by the end of September 2025. The new, revised deadline is now 31 October 2025. The announcement cited the need to give companies more time to consider their position in light of "ongoing global uncertainty." This extension allows companies to better evaluate the impact of the VPAG's 2025 rebate rate, which stands at 26.5% of net sales, against the projected rates of the alternative Statutory Scheme.
Companies that choose to leave the VPAG will become subject to the rules of the Statutory Scheme. Any company that does not submit a notice to leave by the new October deadline will be automatically committed to remaining in the VPAG for the entirety of 2026. Once a notice to leave is submitted, the decision is irreversible. The next step is for individual companies to conduct their final financial modelling before the new deadline.
This additional month provides crucial breathing room for firms to assess the contrasting financial risks and benefits of each scheme, allowing for a more strategic decision on which pathway offers the most sustainable commercial environment for 2026.
Title: Companies granted extension to VPAG 2026 decision deadline
Date: 25 September 2025
