France Moves Two Oncology NGS Panels from Innovation Funding Towards Regular Reimbursement

On 27 October 2026, the National Union of Health Insurance Funds (UNCAM) published a decision updating the French Nomenclature of Medical Biology Procedures (NABM), introducing two new codes under Chapter 20 "Somatic cancer genetics".

The new codes cover targeted tissue-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) gene panels used to guide the management of two cancer types:

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), locally advanced or metastatic disease. A code includes six genes: EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, RET, and KRAS.
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST): A code includes KIT and PDGFRA analyses, as well as NTRK1/2/3 analysis for specified clinical indications.

Before their inclusion in the NABM, these tests were funded through the innovative payment scheme (RIHN), using generic codes on the List of Procedures Outside the Nomenclature (LAHN).

As part of the RIHN reform, the French National Authority for Health (HAS) evaluated the tests to determine their eligibility for regular reimbursement. Positive opinions were obtained in 2024-2025.

What does it mean for the industry?

The introduction of NABM codes illustrates the practical implementation of the RIHN reform and the progression of selected oncology NGS panels towards routine reimbursement. For IVD manufacturers, this provides an important indication of how the transitional framework can translate positive HAS assessments into dedicated reimbursement codes.

Manufacturers of oncology NGS technologies should check whether their tests fall within the scope of the newly introduced codes and assess the implications for their market access strategies in France.

This news is just one of about 300 market access news and updates collected by our team in the premium subscription service MTRC Access Intelligence every week from more than 80 organizations. Access our paid service to stay on top of all developments, specifically for your products in Europe (reimbursement news) and globally (HTA news). Access is organized as an online Database and email alert formats. Contact us to get a free, six-week, no-obligation trial.