AGP Executive Report

US Pharma Tariffs, Liechtenstein in the mix: The US Commerce Department has published a Federal Register list exempting certain specialty medicines and key ingredients from a planned 100% ad valorem tariff, with eligibility tied to specific product categories (rare diseases, fertility, cell/gene therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, nuclear medicines, plasma-derived therapies, and some animal health) and to qualifying trade/security frameworks; Liechtenstein is named among the 20 jurisdictions getting the 0% rate. US Guidance for companies: US Customs and Border Protection also issued updated Section 232 guidance clarifying how the pharmaceutical tariff regime and duty-free treatment will be applied, but exemptions are not automatic and require product-level compliance. Local health workforce rules (Ireland, but relevant for care capacity): A “50:50 rule” limiting non-EEA workers is being temporarily relaxed to tackle healthcare staffing shortages, especially in nursing homes, home-care, and disability services. Reproductive rights debate in Liechtenstein: The European Evangelical Alliance raised concerns after Liechtenstein’s parliament narrowly backed a citizen-led initiative to legalize abortion in the first 12 weeks. EU drug access milestone: The European Commission granted marketing authorization for NEZGLYAL® (leriglitazone) for early cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD), with launches expected to begin in Germany.

US Pharma Tariffs (Section 232): The US Commerce Department has clarified and expanded exemptions from the 100% ad valorem tariff on certain patented medicines, with a 0% rate for specific specialty categories (rare disease drugs, fertility treatments, cell/gene therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, nuclear medicines, plasma-derived therapies, and animal health) plus eligible ingredients—covering India and also Liechtenstein, among 19 other jurisdictions. EU/EEA Access & Health Staffing: Ireland is temporarily relaxing its “50:50 rule” limiting non-EEA workers to address healthcare staff shortages, with nursing homes, home-care, and disability services hit hardest. Liechtenstein Reproductive Rights: A European evangelical group raised concerns after Andorra and Liechtenstein moved to liberalize abortion access, including Liechtenstein’s narrow 13–12 vote to legalize abortion in the first 12 weeks. Local Health Innovation: The EU granted marketing authorization for NEZGLYAL® (leriglitazone) for cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD), with a first European launch expected in Germany and access plans pending reimbursement talks. UK Bereavement Immigration: UK guidance sets eligibility for foreign nationals to stay after a partner’s death, including requirements tied to the deceased partner’s status and the applicant’s visa history.

US Pharma Tariffs (Section 232): The US has exempted certain specialty medicines and key ingredients from a planned 100% ad valorem tariff, effective Tuesday, with the waiver applying to specific categories like orphan drugs, nuclear medicines, plasma-derived therapies, fertility treatments, cell and gene therapies, and antibody-drug conjugates—plus some medical countermeasures and animal-health products. Liechtenstein in the List: Liechtenstein is included among the 20 eligible jurisdictions alongside the EU, Switzerland, and others, but the relief is product-specific and depends on meeting the framework’s conditions. Local Impact for Pharma: Reporting from industry coverage suggests immediate benefits may be limited for some countries because they don’t manufacture many of the highly specialised medicines covered. Healthcare Staffing Rule Change (Ireland): Separately, Ireland is temporarily relaxing the “50:50 rule” limiting non-EEA workers to address healthcare staff shortages, especially in nursing homes and home-care services. Rare Disease Treatment in Europe: Neuren’s Rett syndrome therapy (DAYBU/trofinetide) has EU marketing authorization, covering EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, with first European commercial sales expected to trigger a milestone payment. Infectious Disease Watch (Switzerland): Switzerland reported 544 tuberculosis infections in 2025 (including Liechtenstein), the highest since 2018, driven mainly by people of foreign origin.

US Pharma Tariffs (Section 232): The US is exempting select speciality medicines and ingredients from a new 100% tariff starting Sept. 29, with India named among 20 eligible jurisdictions. The zero-tariff categories are narrowly focused on rare-disease drugs, infertility treatments, cell and gene therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, certain medical countermeasures, and animal pharmaceuticals—plus key components used to make them. Liechtenstein Link: Liechtenstein is included on the beneficiary list, meaning qualifying imports tied to these speciality categories could avoid the full duty. Healthcare Staffing: Separately, Ireland is temporarily relaxing a “50:50” cap on non-EEA workers to ease healthcare staff shortages, especially in nursing homes and home-care. New EU Treatment for Rare Disease: The European Commission granted marketing authorization for NEZGLYAL® (leriglitazone) for male cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD) patients aged 2–12 with specific brain lesions. Public Health Watch: Switzerland reported tuberculosis cases at the highest level since 2018, driven largely by people of foreign origin.

US Pharma Tariff Relief: The US Commerce Department has published a Federal Register list granting 0% ad valorem tariffs on select speciality medicines and related ingredients from India and 19 other jurisdictions, even as a broader 100% tariff on certain patented pharma lines is set to start Sept 29. What’s Covered: The zero-duty categories include orphan drugs for rare diseases, fertility treatments, cell and gene therapies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), certain medical countermeasures, and veterinary pharmaceuticals—plus key manufacturing components. Liechtenstein in the Mix: Liechtenstein is named among the eligible jurisdictions, alongside Switzerland and the EU. Healthcare Staffing Pressure: Separately, EU-area worker limits in Ireland’s healthcare sector are being temporarily relaxed to tackle severe staff shortages, with nursing homes and home-care services hit hardest. Rare Disease Treatment Update: The European Commission granted marketing authorization for NEZGLYAL® (leriglitazone) for early male cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD), with Germany expected to be the first launch market.

US–Liechtenstein Pharma Tariffs: The US Commerce Department says it will apply a 0% ad valorem tariff to certain specialty drugs and ingredients from India and 19 other jurisdictions, including Liechtenstein, as a 100% tariff on some patented pharma imports approaches on Sept 29. The carve-out covers medicines for rare diseases and other categories like infertility treatments, cell and gene therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, and animal pharmaceuticals—plus qualifying components. EU Rare Disease Treatment: The European Commission granted marketing authorization for NEZGLYAL® (leriglitazone) for male cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD) patients aged 2–12 with Gd-negative brain lesions, described as the first pharmacological option for early intervention in the EU. TB in Switzerland: Switzerland reported 544 tuberculosis infections in 2025 (including Liechtenstein), the highest since 2018, with the rise driven mainly by people of foreign origin. Health Funding Scandal (Malta): Malta’s Passports Fund halted €10m health-centre upgrades after procurement and compliance concerns, following findings tied to irregular refurbishment projects.

Rare disease drug approval: The European Commission has granted marketing authorisation for NEZGLYAL® (leriglitazone) for childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD) in male patients aged 2–12 with Gd-negative brain lesions—the first pharmacological treatment for early intervention in the EU, with an initial launch expected in Germany by year-end. Biotech access & sales watch: Neuren is moving toward first commercial sales in Europe after the EU approval of its Rett syndrome treatment Daybu (trofinetide), which covers EU countries including Liechtenstein. US tariff relief for specialty medicines: The US Commerce Department clarified which specialty pharmaceutical products and ingredients can qualify for zero tariffs ahead of a September 29 deadline; eligibility depends on product type and specific trade/security or urgent health need pathways. Public health signal (Switzerland): Switzerland reported 544 TB infections in 2025 (including Liechtenstein), the highest since 2018, driven largely by people of foreign origin.

Rare disease drug approval: The European Commission has granted marketing authorization for NEZGLYAL® (leriglitazone), the first pharmacological treatment for cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD) in the EU, for male patients aged 2–12 with Gd-negative brain lesions; launch is expected first in Germany by year-end, with wider access depending on national reimbursement talks. Local health funding scandal: Malta’s Passports Fund stopped financing a €10m health-centre upgrade after procurement and compliance concerns, refusing to reimburse outstanding claims and not renewing the agreement tied to irregular refurbishment projects. Public health watch: Switzerland reported 544 tuberculosis infections in 2025 (including Liechtenstein), the highest since 2018, with the rise driven mainly by people of foreign origin, especially teens and young adults. Health policy access (region-wide): A UK update lists 31 countries whose citizens can apply for a Frontier Worker permit (including Liechtenstein), with no application fee and no immigration health surcharge. Wellness travel angle: A travel piece spotlights Liechtenstein’s hiking culture and “walk three countries in one day” routes—good for active, outdoors-focused readers.

Rare disease drug approval: The European Commission has granted marketing authorisation for NEZGLYAL® (leriglitazone), the first pharmacological treatment for cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD) in the EU, for boys aged 2–12 with Gadolinium-negative brain lesions; launch is expected first in Germany by year-end, with other countries pending reimbursement talks. EU health access & pricing pressures: A separate update outlines how the U.S. Department of Commerce clarified specialty pharmaceutical exemptions under Section 232 tariffs—eligibility isn’t automatic and companies must submit product-level requests, including patient-need details, ahead of the September 29 deadline. Rett syndrome market move: Neuren Pharmaceuticals is preparing for first commercial sales in Europe after the EC approved trofinetide (Daybu) for neurobehavioural symptoms of Rett syndrome across EU member states including Liechtenstein and Norway. Public health watch: Switzerland reported 544 tuberculosis infections in 2025 (including Liechtenstein), the highest since 2018, with the rise driven largely by people of foreign origin. Health funding scandal (EU): Malta’s Passports Fund halted a €10m health-centre upgrade programme after procurement and compliance concerns, refusing to reimburse claims tied to refurbishment irregularities.

Rare disease breakthrough: The European Commission has granted marketing authorization for NEZGLYAL® (leriglitazone) for male children aged 2–12 with cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD) and Gadolinium-negative brain lesions—described as the first pharmacological treatment for early cALD in the EU, with a Germany launch expected by year-end and more countries to follow after reimbursement talks. EU health access & pricing pressure: A U.S. Commerce clarification on Section 232 specialty drug exemptions warns that tariff relief isn’t automatic and requires product-by-product requests, with an urgent health-need pathway that’s narrower and time-sensitive ahead of the September 29 deadline. Local public health watch: Switzerland reported 544 tuberculosis infections in 2025 (including Liechtenstein), the highest since 2018, with most of the rise among people of foreign origin, especially teenagers and young adults. Cross-border health policy: Neuren’s Rett syndrome treatment (Daybue/trofinetide) has EU-wide authorization covering Liechtenstein and Norway, setting up first commercial sales in Europe and potential milestone payments. Procurement scandal in healthcare funding: Malta’s Passports Fund halted a €10m health-centre upgrade after procurement and compliance concerns, refusing to reimburse claims and not renewing the agreement.

Rare disease breakthrough: The European Commission has granted marketing authorization under exceptional circumstances for NEZGLYAL® (leriglitazone) to treat male cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD) patients aged 2–12 with Gd-negative brain lesions—described as the first pharmacological option for early cALD in the EU, with a Germany launch expected by year-end and wider access depending on national reimbursement talks. Cancer care update: The EMA’s CHMP issued a positive opinion for perioperative pembrolizumab (Keytruda) plus enfortumab vedotin (Padcev) for adults with resectable muscle-invasive bladder cancer, including a subcutaneous pembrolizumab option; the European Commission decision is expected in Q4 2026 for EU countries including Liechtenstein. Public health watch: Switzerland reported 544 tuberculosis infections in 2025, the highest since 2018, with the rise driven mainly by people of foreign origin; the reporting rate climbed to 6.0 per 100,000. Policy & access: A U.S. Commerce clarification outlines how specialty pharmaceutical tariff exemptions work under Section 232, stressing that eligibility isn’t automatic and product-level requests are needed ahead of the September 29 deadline.

Rare disease breakthrough: The European Commission has granted marketing authorisation under exceptional circumstances for NEZGLYAL® (leriglitazone), the first pharmacological treatment in the EU for childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD) in boys aged 2–12 with Gd-negative brain lesions, with Germany launch expected by year-end. Cancer care update: The EMA’s CHMP issued positive opinions for pembrolizumab-based perioperative therapy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), including regimens with enfortumab vedotin and a subcutaneous option, now awaiting final European Commission decisions. Metabolic health: Zealand Pharma received a positive CHMP opinion for Zeydovio™ (glepaglutide) for adults with short bowel syndrome, aiming to reduce reliance on parenteral support. Public health watch: Switzerland reported 544 tuberculosis infections in 2025 (including Liechtenstein), the highest since 2018, driven largely by people of foreign origin. Health funding scandal: Malta’s Passports Fund stopped financing a €10m health-centre upgrade after procurement and compliance concerns, with claims tied to irregular refurbishment projects.

Health Funding Scandal: Malta’s Passports Fund has stopped reimbursing a €10m health-centre upgrade programme after procurement and compliance concerns, refusing outstanding claims and letting the agreement lapse; the fallout follows findings against former Primary Health Care CEO Roseanne Camilleri and financial controller Alfred Farrugia over refurbishment irregularities at Birkirkara and Qormi. Rare Disease Drug Approval: The European Commission granted marketing authorisation under exceptional circumstances for NEZGLYAL® (leriglitazone), the first EU pharmacological treatment for childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD) in boys aged 2–12 with Gd-negative brain lesions, with launches expected first in Germany. Rett Syndrome Sales Push: Neuren Pharmaceuticals is moving from European approval to first commercial sales for Daybue (trofinetide) for Rett syndrome, with the authorisation covering EU states including Liechtenstein and Norway. Cancer Treatment Update: EMA CHMP issued positive opinions for perioperative pembrolizumab-based regimens in muscle-invasive bladder cancer, including KEYTRUDA® plus Padcev® (and related formulations), now awaiting final European Commission decisions. Infectious Disease Trend: Switzerland reported 544 tuberculosis infections in 2025, the highest since 2018, driven largely by people of foreign origin, including teenagers and young adults.

Public Health: Switzerland reported 544 tuberculosis infections in 2025 (including Liechtenstein), up 112 from 2024, with the rise driven almost entirely by people born abroad—especially teenagers and young adults—pushing the rate from 4.8 to 6.0 per 100,000 (still below the European average). Cancer Care (EU/EEA): The EMA CHMP issued a positive opinion for pembrolizumab (Keytruda) plus enfortumab vedotin (Padcev) as perioperative treatment for resectable muscle-invasive bladder cancer, with a final European Commission decision expected in Q4 2026; the review also covers the subcutaneous pembrolizumab option for use across the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Short Bowel Syndrome (EU/EEA): Zealand Pharma’s glepaglutide (Zeydovio) received a positive CHMP opinion for adults with short bowel syndrome, aiming to reduce reliance on parenteral support. Mobility & Health Policy: The UK published its list of 31 countries whose citizens—including Liechtenstein—can apply for a Frontier Worker Permit to work in the UK while living abroad, with no application fee and no immigration health surcharge.

Public Health: Switzerland reported 544 tuberculosis infections in 2025, the highest level since 2018, with the rise driven almost entirely by people born abroad—especially teenagers and young adults—while the overall reporting rate climbed to 6.0 per 100,000 (still below the European average of 8.4). Cancer Care (EU/Liechtenstein): The EMA’s CHMP issued positive opinions for new perioperative bladder cancer options: Merck’s KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) plus PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin) for resectable muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and an expanded use pathway for cisplatin-eligible and ineligible patients, with a final European Commission decision expected in Q4 2026 (including Liechtenstein). Metabolic/Intestinal Health: Zealand Pharma received a positive CHMP opinion for Zeydovio (glepaglutide) for adults with short bowel syndrome, aiming to reduce weekly parenteral support and help some patients wean off entirely. Liechtenstein Politics & Health Rights: Liechtenstein’s Catholic prince Alois vowed to oppose the newly approved 12-week abortion time-limit regime after Parliament voted 13–12.

Cancer Care in Europe: The EMA CHMP has issued a positive opinion for Merck’s KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) plus PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin) as perioperative treatment for adults with resectable muscle-invasive bladder cancer, with a final EU decision expected in Q4 2026—also covering Liechtenstein. Short Bowel Treatment: Zealand Pharma received a positive CHMP opinion for Zeydovio (glepaglutide) for short bowel syndrome, aiming to reduce reliance on parenteral support. Health Policy & Rights: Liechtenstein’s Catholic prince Alois says he will oppose the abortion bill after Parliament voted 13–12 for a 12-week time-limit regime. Work & Mobility: The UK published a list of 31 countries whose citizens (including Liechtenstein) can apply for a Frontier Worker permit with no application fee and no immigration health surcharge. Local Relevance: A UPC injunction blocks MGI Tech from selling/supplying Oxford Nanopore’s CycloneSEQ sequencing systems across several European markets, including Liechtenstein.