The French National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM) is warning of soaring costs for reimbursed medications, fueled by the introduction of very expensive treatments. Despite relatively stable consumption, the bill reached €27.2 billion in 2024, a 7.2% increase.
This rise is explained by the proliferation of therapies exceeding unprecedented price levels: a single drug cost more than €80,000 per patient in 2015; this number is projected to reach 26 in 2025. Two treatments even exceed €400,000 annually. In oncology, Keytruda and Darzalex together account for more than €3 billion in reimbursements.
Faced with this trend, the CNAM raises concerns about sustainability. Medications costing over €1,000 represent only 0.5% of the total volume but account for a third of the expenditure. And a third of the products still under patent would bring little innovation, while price negotiations are due to resume this year.
 Frank Verain
|
21/01/2026 | 
