In July 2025, the UK Government published its 10-Year Health Plan for England, Fit for the Future.

The plan sets out a new model of care that builds on the NHS’s founding principles: universal access, free at the point of delivery, based on need and funded through general taxation. It also emphasises giving patients greater choice and control over their health and care.

A central element of the plan is the introduction of a Single National Formulary (SNF) within the next two years. Implementing an SNF would mark a significant shift in the way medicines are commissioned and accessed in England, with potentially far-reaching implications for the NHS and for those involved in the supply of medicines to patients.

At present, understanding of the SNF across both the NHS and industry appears limited. There are more questions than answers, and no clear pathway has yet been set out for its delivery.

This report draws on the views of around 50 key stakeholders from the NHS and the life sciences sector. It summarises their perspectives on the likely impact of a national formulary and highlights the key issues that will need to be addressed.