We are pleased to highlight another signature session for the 2026 SMDM Annual Meeting in Oslo—a high-profile debate that brings two of the world’s most recognized voices in health economics onto the same stage. This session “The Price of Innovation: A Debate on Drug Value and Affordability” tackles one of the most contested questions in health: how we determine the value and price of new medicines.

In this 90-minute debate, Tomas Philipson (University of Chicago) and Karl Claxton (University of York) will provide their contrasting viewpoints—on innovation, affordability, and the role of value-based frameworks—promising a lively and intellectually rigorous exchange.

The debate will be moderated by Mark Sculpher, who will guide the discussion and bring in reflections from an expert panel representing government, industry, and academia.

More details, including exact scheduling and the full program, will be shared soon.

We look forward to welcoming you to Oslo in June for what promises to be a standout session of the 2026 meeting.