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Kurte MS, Siefen AC, Jakobs F, Poos T, von Tresckow J, von Tresckow B, Reinhardt HC, Kron F. Time-dependent cost comparison and health economic impact analysis of second-line interventions for transplant-ineligible patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Eur J Haematol 2024; 113:371-383. [PMID: 38853698 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Novel interventions (axicabtagene ciloleucel [axi-cel], lisocabtagene maraleucel [liso-cel], tafasitamab-lenalidomide [Tafa-L], polatuzumab-rituximab-bendamustine [pola-BR]) improve clinical outcomes in second-line (2 L) treatment of transplant-ineligible patients with early relapse or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The costs vary depending on the respective treatment regimen and the treatment duration, difficult comparability in reimbursement decisions. The objective was to analyze the health economic impacts of novel 2 L interventions and conventional immunochemotherapies (bendamustine-rituximab [BR], rituximab-gemcitabine-oxaliplatin [R-GemOx]) from a German healthcare payer's perspective as a function of treatment duration. METHODS An economic model was developed to compare treatment costs of 2 L interventions depending on the treatment duration. Treatment duration was measured by progression-free survival (PFS), identified based on a systematic review. Total and average costs were calculated over 5 years to evaluate incremental costs at median PFS for each intervention. RESULTS Average costs per month at median PFS ranged from €2846 (95% CI: 5067-1641) to €40 535 (95% CI: 91180-N/A) for BR and liso-cel, respectively. Incremental costs at the lowest median PFS (R-GemOx: 5.3 months) revealed -€664, €5560, €11 817, €53 145, and €67 745 for BR, Tafa-L, pola-BR, axi-cel, and liso-cel as compared to R-GemOx, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Analyses uncovered a variation of incremental costs of 2 L transplant-ineligible DLBCL interventions as a function of time leading to amortization of high-priced interventions.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/economics
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/therapy
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/mortality
- Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/economics
- Models, Economic
- Health Care Costs
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Recurrence
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Sophie Kurte
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- VITIS Healthcare Group, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ann-Cathrine Siefen
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- VITIS Healthcare Group, Cologne, Germany
| | - Florian Jakobs
- Department of Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tabea Poos
- VITIS Healthcare Group, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia von Tresckow
- Department of Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Bastian von Tresckow
- Department of Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West German Cancer Center and German Cancer consortium (DKTK partner site Essen), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hans Christian Reinhardt
- Department of Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Florian Kron
- VITIS Healthcare Group, Cologne, Germany
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO Cologne), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- FOM University of Applied Sciences, Essen, Germany
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Claessens Z, Lammens M, Barbier L, Huys I. Opportunities and Challenges in Cross-Country Collaboration: Insights from the Beneluxa Initiative. JOURNAL OF MARKET ACCESS & HEALTH POLICY 2024; 12:144-157. [PMID: 39072305 PMCID: PMC11270242 DOI: 10.3390/jmahp12030012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
National pricing and reimbursement agencies face growing challenges with complex health technologies, prompting European policy advancements. Beneluxa is a cross-country collaboration involving Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxemburg, Austria, and Ireland that aims to address sustainable access to medicines. In view of the soon-to-be-implemented EU HTA Regulation, insights and experiences from stakeholders with Beneluxa cross-country collaboration could provide possible transferable learnings. Therefore, this research aims to (i) identify the opportunities and challenges faced by Beneluxa, (ii) gather insights from stakeholders, namely (possible) applicants and policymakers, within and beyond Beneluxa on the initiative and broader cross-country collaboration principles, and (iii) transfer these insights into learnings and recommendations in anticipation of the full implementation of the new HTA Regulation. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with industry and European HTA/policy stakeholders. The principal challenges discussed by stakeholders encompass hesitancy from the industry toward Beneluxa assessments, which were attributed to procedural and timeline uncertainties, legislative framework ambiguity, and challenges in terms of industry's internal organization. Another challenge highlighted is the resource-intensive nature of the procedure due to diverse approaches among member states. In addition, industry stakeholders mentioned limited communication and procedural complexity. Despite challenges, both stakeholder groups recognized important opportunities for cross-country collaboration. Transferable insights for future cross-country collaboration include transparent communication, clear legislative embedding, internal industry restructuring to facilitate joint HTAs, and member state support for conducting collaborative assessments. The study underscores diverging views among stakeholders on cross-country collaboration's potential to support HTA and the market access of complex health technologies. While acknowledging benefits, there still are challenges, including industry hesitancy, emphasizing the need for transparent communication and clear guidance in the evolving EU HTA landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Isabelle Huys
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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3
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Sachetti CG, Barbosa A, de Carvalho ACC, Araujo DV, da Silva EN. Challenges and opportunities for access to Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products in Brazil. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:939-947. [PMID: 38639672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.03.492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS The marketing authorization of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) in Brazil is recent. The features of these therapies impose specialized regulatory action and are consequently challenging for developers. The goal of this study was to identify the industry's experience in clinical development, marketing authorization and access to ATMPs through the Unified Health System (SUS, acronym in Portuguese), from a regulatory perspective. METHODS A survey containing structured questions was conducted among research participants who work at companies that commercialize ATMPs. A descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS We invited 15 foreign pharmaceutical companies, of which 10 agreed to participate. Overall, participants assessed that Brazil has a well-established regulatory system, especially the sanitary registration by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), which ensures the quality, safety, and efficacy of the products. The Agency's good interaction with the regulated sector, the harmonization of sanitary and ethical assessment systems with other countries, and the analysis time in the biosafety assessment of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) stand out as positive in industry's evaluation. On the other hand, it is important to advance the pricing regulation for these products since Brazilian regulations do not establish specific criteria for ATMP. One of the biggest challenges is the difficulty for the SUS in reimbursing these very high-cost therapies, especially using current Health Technology Assessment (HTA) methods. CONCLUSIONS Considering the increasing number of approvals of cell and gene therapies in Brazil in the coming years, a close dialogue between the industry and the public sector is recommended to advance regulatory improvements (pricing and HTA). Additionally, the construction of policies to promote the national Health Economic-Industrial Complex, based on a mission-oriented vision that encourages innovative models of financing, especially those that consider risk-sharing and co-financing technologies, will help provide the population with universal, equitable and sustainable access to ATMP in the SUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camile Giaretta Sachetti
- Graduate Program for Collective Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, Brazil; Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Augusto Barbosa
- Departament of Hemotherapy and Cell Therapy, Israelita Albert Einstein Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Everton Nunes da Silva
- Graduate Program for Collective Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, Brazil; Collective Health School, Faculty of Ceilandia, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
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Versteeg JW, Vreman R, Mantel-Teeuwisse A, Goettsch W. Uncertainty in Long-Term Relative Effectiveness of Medicines in Health Technology Assessment. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2024:S1098-3015(24)02741-4. [PMID: 38971220 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2024.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Uncertainty regarding the long-term relative effectiveness is an important factor in health technology assessment (HTA) of medicines. This study investigated how different HTA bodies address this uncertainty in their assessments. METHODS A total of 49 HTA reports from 6 national HTA bodies, assessing 9 medicines for spinal muscular atrophy, cystic fibrosis, and hypercholesterolemia, were included. In these reports, 81 relative effectiveness assessments and 45 cost-effectiveness assessments were performed on an indication level. We collected information on included trials, assessment outcomes, uncertainty regarding the long-term effectiveness, proposed managed entry agreements, and reassessments. RESULTS Uncertainty regarding the long-term effectiveness was an important consideration in almost all cost-effectiveness assessments (91%) and three-quarters of relative effectiveness assessments (74%), despite differences in methodologies among HTA bodies. There were considerable differences in the amount and type of long-term effectiveness data included by HTA bodies due to timing and inclusion criteria. In total 23 managed entry agreements were proposed of which 14 were linked to uncertainty regarding the long-term effectiveness. In addition, 13 reassessments were performed of which 4 led to an increase in patient access because of more available long-term effectiveness data. CONCLUSIONS Uncertainty regarding the long-term effectiveness is an important challenge for HTA bodies. There are large differences in the acceptance of evidence among HTA bodies, which leads to heterogeneity in the inclusion of available long-term effectiveness data for decision making. In cases with large uncertainty regarding the long-term effectiveness, outcome-based agreements and reassessments are used by HTA bodies, but differently between HTA bodies and indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Willem Versteeg
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rick Vreman
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; National Health Care Institute, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Aukje Mantel-Teeuwisse
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Goettsch
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; National Health Care Institute, Diemen, The Netherlands.
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5
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Dane A, Uyl-de Groot C, van der Kuy H. Unraveling elements of value-based pricing from a pharmaceutical industry's perspective: a scoping review. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1298923. [PMID: 38978982 PMCID: PMC11228688 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1298923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Health authorities use value-based pricing models to determine the value of innovative drugs and to establish a price. Pharmaceutical companies prefer value-based pricing over cost-based pricing. It is ambiguous whether value-based pricing has the same meaning to these stakeholders. We aimed to identify the elements that attribute to value-based pricing of innovative drugs from a pharmaceutical industry's perspective and as possible starting point for (value-based) contracting of drugs. We performed a scoping review of publications available in scientific databases with terms such as 'value-based pricing', 'pharmacoeconomics', 'drug cost', 'innovative drug' and 'drug therapy'. We included 31 publications, covering value elements of innovative drugs from a pharmaceutical industry's perspective. Overall, all found elements of value-based pricing were congruent with the elements of value-based pricing from a health authority's perspective. However, the emphasis placed on the elements differed. The most frequently mentioned elements in our review were economic considerations and cost aspects. Least mentioned were elements regarding cost-effectiveness, disease characteristics and patient characteristics. Although all elements in the drug value framework were present which indicate congruity, there seems controversy on the importance of cost-effectiveness as an element of value. Consequently, establishing a coherent and to all stakeholders' acceptable framework to value and price innovative drugs seems complicated. Mutual understanding can be found in the value elements societal considerations and healthcare process benefits. Our results supported the importance of economic and cost aspects regarding determination of prices of innovative drugs. Further research is required to quantify the weights of all relevant elements in the drug value framework, observe their possible interlinkages, and to weigh them over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniek Dane
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Carin Uyl-de Groot
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hugo van der Kuy
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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6
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Ossandon H, Armijo N, Vargas C, Repetto GM, Espinoza MA. Challenges for gene therapy in the financial sustainability of health systems: a scoping review. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:243. [PMID: 38915120 PMCID: PMC11197217 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03249-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM To review the available evidence about the strategies implemented or proposed for coverage or reimbursement for currently approved gene therapies. METHODS A scoping review was conducted to analyze the evidence published during the years 2016 to 2023. The main search criteria were coverage or reimbursement of gene therapy by healthcare systems. The eligible articles were those that described or proposed a financing model used to provide coverage in the various systems around the world. RESULTS The study identified 279 publications, and after removing duplicates and screening for eligibility, 10 were included in the study. The results show that various financing models have been proposed, including subscription-based payment models, outcome-based payment models, and amortization strategies. However, several barriers to implementing these models were identified, such as deficiencies in informatics systems for data collection, changes in laws or regulations, the lack of accessible clinical endpoints and administrative costs. CONCLUSION This scoping review provides an overview of financing strategies for gene therapies. Gene therapies can cure rare or previously intractable diseases, but their high cost can make access difficult. Publishing experiences with these models can help evaluate their use and gather more evidence for their effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Ossandon
- Departamento de Coordinación de Garantías y Prestaciones de Salud, División de Planificación Sanitaria, Ministerio de Salud de Chile, Enrique McIver 421, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicolás Armijo
- Centro de Investigación Clínica, Unidad de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud (ETESA UC), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Para la Prevención y Control del cáncer, Santiago, Chile
| | - Constanza Vargas
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation (CHERE), University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gabriela M Repetto
- Rare Diseases Program, Institute of Science and Innovation in Medicine, Facultad de Medicina, Clinica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Manuel Antonio Espinoza
- Centro de Investigación Clínica, Unidad de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud (ETESA UC), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
- Centro Para la Prevención y Control del cáncer, Santiago, Chile.
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Grand TS, Ren S, Hall J, Åström DO, Regnier S, Thokala P. Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for Economic Evaluations of Orphan Drugs in Rare Diseases: An Umbrella Review. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2024; 42:619-631. [PMID: 38616217 PMCID: PMC11126517 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-024-01370-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES There are significant challenges when obtaining clinical and economic evidence for health technology assessments of rare diseases. Many of them have been highlighted in previous systematic reviews but they have not been summarised in a comprehensive manner. For all stakeholders working with rare diseases, it is important to be aware and understand these issues. The objective of this review is to identify the main challenges for the economic evaluation of orphan drugs in rare diseases. METHODS An umbrella review of systematic reviews of economic studies concerned with orphan and ultra-orphan drugs was conducted. Studies that were not systematic reviews, or on advanced therapeutic medicinal products, personalised medicines or other interventions that were not considered orphan drugs were excluded. The database searches included publications from 2010 to 2023, and were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane library using filters for systematic reviews, and economic evaluations and models. These filters were combined with search terms for rare diseases and orphan drugs. A hand search supplemented the literature searches. The findings were reported by a compliant Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram. RESULTS Two hundred and eighty-two records were identified from the literature searches, of which 64 were duplicates, whereas five reviews were identified from the hand search. A total of 36 reviews were included after screening against inclusion/exclusion criteria, 35 from literature searches and one from hand searching. Of those studies 1, 27 and 8 were low, moderate and high quality, respectively. The reviews highlight the scarcity of evidence for health economic parameters, for example, clinical effectiveness, costs, quality of life and the natural history of disease. Health economic evaluations such as cost-effectiveness and budget-impact analyses were scarce, and generally low-to-moderate quality. The causes were limited health economic parameters, together with publications bias, especially for cost-effectiveness analyses. CONCLUSIONS The results highlighted issues around a considerable paucity of evidence for economic evaluations and few cost-effectiveness analyses, supporting the notion that a paucity of evidence makes economic evaluations of rare diseases more challenging compared with more prevalent diseases. Furthermore, we provide recommendations for more sustainable approaches in economic evaluations of rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Sydendal Grand
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR), University of Sheffield, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK.
- Lundbeck A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Shijie Ren
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR), University of Sheffield, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
| | - James Hall
- Institute of Applied Health Research, Health Economics Unit, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Praveen Thokala
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR), University of Sheffield, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
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Qiu T, Aballéa S, Pochopień M, Toumi M, Dussart C, Yan D. A systematic review on the appropriate discounting rates for the economic evaluation of gene therapies: whether a specific approach is justified to tackle the challenges? Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2024; 40:e23. [PMID: 38725378 DOI: 10.1017/s0266462324000096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Discounting the cost and effect for health intervention is a controversial topic over the last two decades. In particular, the cost-effectiveness of gene therapies is especially sensitive to the discount rate because of the substantial delay between the upfront cost incurred and long-lasing clinical benefits received. This study aims to investigate the influence of employing alternative discount rates on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of gene therapies. METHODS A systematic review was conducted to include health economic evaluations of gene therapies that were published until April 2023. RESULTS Sensitivity or scenario analysis indicated that discount rate represented one of the most influential factors for the ICERs of gene therapies. Discount rate for cost and benefit was positively correlated with the cost-effectiveness of gene therapies, that is, a lower discount rate significantly improves the ICERs. The alternative discount rate employed in some cases could be powerful to alter the conclusion on whether gene therapies are cost-effective and acceptable for reimbursement. CONCLUSIONS Although discount rate will have substantial influence on the ICERs of gene therapies, there lacks solid evidence to justify a different discounting rule for gene therapies. However, it is proposed that the discount rate in the reference case should be updated to reflect the real-time preference, which in turn will affect the ICERs and reimbursement of gene therapies more profoundly than conventional therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Qiu
- Beijing Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Beijing Friendship Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Public Health Department, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Samuel Aballéa
- Public Health Department, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Michal Pochopień
- Public Health Department, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Mondher Toumi
- Public Health Department, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Claude Dussart
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Dan Yan
- Beijing Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Beijing Friendship Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Lee MK, Seyedmousavi S, Auvity S, Pourroy B, Elleboode V, Kachaner I, Jansen C, Lilliu H. Forecasting the potential impact of cell and gene therapies in France: projecting product launches and patients treated. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1324602. [PMID: 38439899 PMCID: PMC10910012 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1324602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the potential impact of cell and gene therapies (CGTs) in France by forecasting the number of patients that will be treated with CGTs over the period 2023-2030 by therapeutic area and region. Methods A review of CGTs in clinical development and related disease epidemiology was conducted to forecast the number of CGT launches and patient population between 2023 and 2030. The number of expected launches was identified by filtering the clinical development pipeline with estimated time to launch and probability of success values from Project ALPHA. Disease prevalence and incidence in France were combined with projected adoption rates derived from historical data to forecast the patient population to be treated. Results Up to 44 new CGTs are forecasted to launch in France in the period 2023-2030, which translates into more than 69,400 newly treated patients in 2030. Leading indications in terms of newly treated patients per year include cardiovascular disease, hematological cancers and solid tumors with 27,300, 15,200 and 13,000 newly treated patients in 2030, respectively. Discussion The forecast suggests that the future landscape of CGTs will undergo a shift, moving from CGTs targeting (ultra) rare diseases to more prevalent diseases. In France, this will likely pose organizational challenges hindering patient access to these transformative therapies. Further research and planning around network organization and patient distribution are needed to assess and improve the readiness of the French healthcare system for ensuring access for this growing number of patients to be treated with CGTs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sylvain Auvity
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM, UMRS-1144, Optimisation Thérapeutique en Neuropsychopharmacologie, Paris, France
- Service de Pharmacie, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Pourroy
- Oncopharma Unit, Pharmacy Department, University Teaching Hospital la Timone, Marseille, France
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Kostadinov K, Marinova Y, Dimitrov K, Hristova-Atanasova E, Iskrov G, Stefanov R. Navigating Gene Therapy Access: The Case of Bulgaria in the Context of the EU Regulatory Landscape. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:458. [PMID: 38391833 PMCID: PMC10888421 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12040458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies (GTs) have recently emerged as revolutionary personalized therapeutic options. Despite their promising potential, challenges such as uncertainty regarding long-term health benefits and safety, along with extreme price tags, pose significant obstacles to patient access. Within the EU, the European Medicines Agency plays a pivotal role with regards to GT market authorization. However, national authorities are responsible for pricing and reimbursement, which results in fragment patient access within the EU. This study aimed to provide an overview of the complex landscape of post-market authorization accessibility for GT products in Bulgaria, comparing it with neighboring EU countries. We applied a mixed-methods approach, including desk research, public data requests, and list price comparisons. As of 1 April 2023, 14 GTs had a valid market authorization at the EU level. In Bulgaria, Kymriah® was the only GT included in the Positive Drug List (PDL), with an official list price of EUR 335,636.94. Similar results were found in Romania, whereas five GTs were included in Greece's PDL. Additionally, Zolgensma® was found accessible in Bulgaria through an alternative individual access scheme at an estimated price of EUR 1,945,000.00. In conclusion, this study emphasized targeted policy interventions to address health inequalities and to ensure timely access to GTs within the EU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostadin Kostadinov
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Yuliyana Marinova
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Kostadin Dimitrov
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Institute for Rare Diseases, 4023 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Eleonora Hristova-Atanasova
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Georgi Iskrov
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Institute for Rare Diseases, 4023 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Rumen Stefanov
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Institute for Rare Diseases, 4023 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Dayer VW, Drummond MF, Dabbous O, Toumi M, Neumann P, Tunis S, Teich N, Saleh S, Persson U, von der Schulenburg JMG, Malone DC, Salimullah T, Sullivan SD. Real-world evidence for coverage determination of treatments for rare diseases. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:47. [PMID: 38326894 PMCID: PMC10848432 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03041-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Health technology assessment (HTA) decisions for pharmaceuticals are complex and evolving. New rare disease treatments are often approved more quickly through accelerated approval schemes, creating more uncertainties about clinical evidence and budget impact at the time of market entry. The use of real-world evidence (RWE), including early coverage with evidence development, has been suggested as a means to support HTA decisions for rare disease treatments. However, the collection and use of RWE poses substantial challenges. These challenges are compounded when considered in the context of treatments for rare diseases. In this paper, we describe the methodological challenges to developing and using prospective and retrospective RWE for HTA decisions, for rare diseases in particular. We focus attention on key elements of study design and analyses, including patient selection and recruitment, appropriate adjustment for confounding and other sources of bias, outcome selection, and data quality monitoring. We conclude by offering suggestions to help address some of the most vexing challenges. The role of RWE in coverage and pricing determination will grow. It is, therefore, necessary for researchers, manufacturers, HTA agencies, and payers to ensure that rigorous and appropriate scientific principles are followed when using RWE as part of decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria W Dayer
- CHOICE Institute, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | | | - Omar Dabbous
- Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc., Bannockburn, IL, USA
| | - Mondher Toumi
- Faculty of Medicine, Public Health Department, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | - Shadi Saleh
- American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ulf Persson
- The Swedish Institute for Health Economics, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Daniel C Malone
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Sean D Sullivan
- CHOICE Institute, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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Cavallo MC, Cavazza M, Bonifazi F, Casadei B, Cutini I, Tonietti B, Saccardi R, Zinzani P, Jommi C. Cost of implementing CAR-T activity and managing CAR-T patients: an exploratory study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:121. [PMID: 38254079 PMCID: PMC10804568 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10443-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) represent an innovation but raise issues for healthcare payers because of the uncertainty on impact at market launch, high cost and important organisational impact. The literature has focused on their assessment, appraisal and market access solutions. No evidence on the costs sustained to implement CAR-T is available and a few studies reported the cost of the CAR-T clinical pathway, including the activities that are remunerated through inpatient or outpatient fee-for-service/episode. This paper aims at filling the information gap, assessing the cost of implementing CAR-T activity and the full cost of managing the CAR-T clinical pathway. METHODS Cost analysis relied on the Activity Based Costing approach, which was applied to two Italian healthcare organisations, both CAR-T Centres authorized by the regional governments with a minimum of 20 patients treated with the first two CAR-T therapies launched on the market. RESULTS The cost of implementing CAR-T was estimated at €1.31 million (calculated for one of the organizations with complete data). Most of these costs (77%) were generated by quality assurance activity. The mean cost per patient entering the CAR-T pathway (59 and 27) and surviving at follow-up (21 and 5) ranges from €48K to €57K and from €96K to €106K, respectively. Fees for hospitalization and infusion of gene therapy accounts for more than 70% of these costs. The actual hospitalisation cost varies greatly across patients and is in general lower than the fee-for-episode paid by the region to the hospital. CONCLUSIONS Despite its limitations (exploratory nature; the time spent by staff on activities which are not remunerated through fees was estimated through interviews with the CAR-T coordinators; cost items are not fully comparable), this research highlighted the relevant organisational and economic impact of CAR-T and provided important insights for policy makers and healthcare managers: the necessity to invest resources in CAR-T implementation; the need for assessing activities which are not remunerated through fees for service / episode; the opportunity to shift from fee-for-episode / service to bundled payments for CAR-T clinical pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Caterina Cavallo
- Cergas, Centre for Research on Health and Social Care Management, SDA Bocconi School of Management, Bocconi University, Via Sarfatti, 10, Milano, 20136, Italy
| | - Marianna Cavazza
- Cergas, Centre for Research on Health and Social Care Management, SDA Bocconi School of Management, Bocconi University, Via Sarfatti, 10, Milano, 20136, Italy
| | - Francesca Bonifazi
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Beatrice Casadei
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cutini
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, Firenze, 50134, Italy
| | - Barbara Tonietti
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, Firenze, 50134, Italy
| | - Riccardo Saccardi
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, Firenze, 50134, Italy
| | - PierLuigi Zinzani
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Claudio Jommi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani, 2, Novara, 28100, Italy.
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Hogervorst MA, Møllebæk M, Vreman RA, Lu TA, Wang J, De Bruin ML, Leufkens HGM, Mantel-Teeuwisse A, Goettsch W. Perspectives on how to build bridges between regulation, health technology assessment and clinical guideline development: a qualitative focus group study with European experts. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072309. [PMID: 37640462 PMCID: PMC10462958 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Improving synergy among regulation, health technology assessment (HTA) and clinical guideline development is relevant as these independent processes are building on shared evidence-based grounds. The two objectives were first to assess how convergence of evidentiary needs among stakeholders may be achieved, and second, to determine to what extent convergence can be achieved. DESIGN Qualitative study using eight online dual-moderator focus groups. SETTING Discussions had a European focus and were contextualised in four case studies on head and neck cancer, diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis and myelodysplastic syndromes. PARTICIPANTS Forty-two experienced (over 10 years) European regulators, HTA representatives and clinicians participated in the discussion. INTERVENTIONS Participants received information on the case study and research topic in advance. An introductory background presentation and interview guide for the moderators were used to steer the discussion. RESULTS Convergence may be achieved through improved communication institutionalised in multistakeholder early dialogues, shared definitions and shared methods. Required data sets should be inclusive rather than aligned. Deliberation and decision-making should remain independent. Alignment could be sought for pragmatic clinical trial designs and patient registries. Smaller and lower-income countries should be included in these efforts. CONCLUSION Actors in the field expressed that improving synergy among stakeholders always involves trade-offs. A balance needs to be found between the convergence of processes and the institutional remits or geographical independence. A similar tension exists between the involvement of more actors, for example, patients or additional countries, and the level of collaboration that may be achieved. Communication is key to establishing this balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milou A Hogervorst
- Division Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Dutch National Health Care Institute (ZIN), Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Mathias Møllebæk
- Copenhagen Centre for Regulatory Science (CORS), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | - Rick A Vreman
- Division Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ting-An Lu
- Division Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Junfeng Wang
- Division Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marie Louise De Bruin
- Division Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Copenhagen Centre for Regulatory Science (CORS), Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | - Hubert G M Leufkens
- Division Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aukje Mantel-Teeuwisse
- Division Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Goettsch
- Division Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Dutch National Health Care Institute (ZIN), Diemen, The Netherlands
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Halley MC, Halverson CME, Tabor HK, Goldenberg AJ. Rare Disease, Advocacy and Justice: Intersecting Disparities in Research and Clinical Care. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2023; 23:17-26. [PMID: 37204146 PMCID: PMC10321139 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2023.2207500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Rare genetic diseases collectively impact millions of individuals in the United States. These patients and their families share many challenges including delayed diagnosis, lack of knowledgeable providers, and limited economic incentives to develop new therapies for small patient groups. As such, rare disease patients and families often must rely on advocacy, including both self-advocacy to access clinical care and public advocacy to advance research. However, these demands raise serious concerns for equity, as both care and research for a given disease can depend on the education, financial resources, and social capital available to the patients in a given community. In this article, we utilize three case examples to illustrate ethical challenges at the intersection of rare diseases, advocacy and justice, including how reliance on advocacy in rare disease may drive unintended consequences for equity. We conclude with a discussion of opportunities for diverse stakeholders to begin to address these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan C. Halley
- Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Colin M. E. Halverson
- Center for Bioethics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Charles Warren Fairbanks Center for Medical Ethics, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Holly K. Tabor
- Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Aaron J. Goldenberg
- Department of Bioethics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Gavan SP, Wright SJ, Thistlethwaite F, Payne K. Capturing the Impact of Constraints on the Cost-Effectiveness of Cell and Gene Therapies: A Systematic Review. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2023; 41:675-692. [PMID: 36905571 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-022-01234-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Decision-makers need to resolve constraints on delivering cell and gene therapies to patients as these treatments move into routine care. This study aimed to investigate if, and how, constraints that affect the expected cost and health consequences of cell and gene therapies have been included in published examples of cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs). METHOD A systematic review identified CEAs of cell and gene therapies. Studies were identified from previous systematic reviews and by searching Medline and Embase until 21 January 2022. Constraints described qualitatively were categorised by theme and summarised by a narrative synthesis. Constraints evaluated in quantitative scenario analyses were appraised by whether they changed the decision to recommend treatment. RESULTS Thirty-two CEAs of cell (n = 20) and gene therapies (n = 12) were included. Twenty-one studies described constraints qualitatively (70% cell therapy CEAs; 58% gene therapy CEAs). Qualitative constraints were categorised by four themes: single payment models; long-term affordability; delivery by providers; manufacturing capability. Thirteen studies assessed constraints quantitatively (60% cell therapy CEAs; 8% gene therapy CEAs). Two types of constraint were assessed quantitatively across four jurisdictions (USA, Canada, Singapore, The Netherlands): alternatives to single payment models (n = 9 scenario analyses); improving manufacturing (n = 12 scenario analyses). The impact on decision-making was determined by whether the estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios crossed a relevant cost-effectiveness threshold for each jurisdiction (outcome-based payment models: n = 25 threshold comparisons made, 28% decisions changed; improving manufacturing: n = 24 threshold comparisons made, 4% decisions changed). CONCLUSION The net health impact of constraints is vital evidence to help decision-makers scale up the delivery of cell and gene therapies as patient volume increases and more advanced therapy medicinal products are launched. CEAs will be essential to quantify how constraints affect the cost-effectiveness of care, prioritise constraints to be resolved, and establish the value of strategies to implement cell and gene therapies by accounting for their health opportunity cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean P Gavan
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Stuart J Wright
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Fiona Thistlethwaite
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - Katherine Payne
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
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16
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Drummond M, Ciani O, Fornaro G, Jommi C, Dietrich ES, Espin J, Mossman J, de Pouvourville G. How are health technology assessment bodies responding to the assessment challenges posed by cell and gene therapy? BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:484. [PMID: 37179322 PMCID: PMC10182681 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09494-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aims of this research were to provide a better understanding of the specific evidence needs for assessment of clinical and cost-effectiveness of cell and gene therapies, and to explore the extent that the relevant categories of evidence are considered in health technology assessment (HTA) processes. METHODS A targeted literature review was conducted to identify the specific categories of evidence relevant to the assessment of these therapies. Forty-six HTA reports for 9 products in 10 cell and gene therapy indications across 8 jurisdictions were analysed to determine the extent to which various items of evidence were considered. RESULTS The items to which the HTA bodies reacted positively were: treatment was for a rare disease or serious condition, lack of alternative therapies, evidence indicating substantial health gains, and when alternative payment models could be agreed. The items to which they reacted negatively were: use of unvalidated surrogate endpoints, single arm trials without an adequately matched alternative therapy, inadequate reporting of adverse consequences and risks, short length of follow-up in clinical trials, extrapolating to long-term outcomes, and uncertainty around the economic estimates. CONCLUSIONS The consideration by HTA bodies of evidence relating to the particular features of cell and gene therapies is variable. Several suggestions are made for addressing the assessment challenges posed by these therapies. Jurisdictions conducting HTAs of these therapies can consider whether these suggestions could be incorporated within their existing approach through strengthening deliberative decision-making or performing additional analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Drummond
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK.
- CERGAS, SDA Bocconi School of Management, Milan, Italy.
| | - Oriana Ciani
- CERGAS, SDA Bocconi School of Management, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Jommi
- CERGAS, SDA Bocconi School of Management, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Jaime Espin
- Andalusian School of Public Health, Andalusia, Spain
| | - Jean Mossman
- Patient Representative and Visiting Senior Research Associate in the Medical Technology Research Group, LSE Health, London School of Economics, London, UK
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Garrison LP, Lo AW, Finkel RS, Deverka PA. A review of economic issues for gene-targeted therapies: Value, affordability, and access. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2023; 193:64-76. [PMID: 36854952 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.32037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences' virtual 2021 conference on gene-targeted therapies (GTTs) encouraged multidisciplinary dialogue on a wide range of GTT topic areas. Each of three parallel working groups included social scientists and clinical scientists, and the three major sessions included a presentation on economic issues related to their focus area. These experts also coordinated their efforts across the three groups. The economics-related presentations covered three areas with some overlap: (1) value assessment, uncertainty, and dynamic efficiency; (2) affordability, pricing, and financing; and (3) evidence generation, coverage, and access. This article provides a synopsis of three presentations, some of their key recommendations, and an update on related developments in the past year. The key high-level findings are that GTTs present unique data and policy challenges, and that existing regulatory, health technology assessment, as well as payment and financing systems will need to adapt. But these adjustments can build on our existing foundation of regulatory and incentive systems for innovation, and much can be done to accelerate progress in GTTs. Given the substantial unmet medical need that exists for these oft-neglected patients suffering from rare diseases, it would be a tragedy to not leverage these exciting scientific advances in GTTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis P Garrison
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Andrew W Lo
- MIT Sloan School of Management, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard S Finkel
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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18
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Sponsorship bias in oncology cost effectiveness analysis. J Clin Epidemiol 2023; 156:22-29. [PMID: 36773749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cost effectiveness analysis (CEA) has been increasingly used to inform cancer treatment coverage policy making worldwide. The primary objective of this study was to assess the association between industry sponsorship and CEA results in oncology. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING All CEAs in oncology used incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) as health effect identified from the Tufts CEA Registry since 1976 was analyzed. Descriptive analyses were performed to present and compare the characteristics of CEA funded by industry and non-industry. Robust logistic regression was performed to assess the relationship between the industry sponsorship and cost effective conclusion over a wide range of threshold values. RESULTS A total of 1537 CEAs in oncology published from 1976 to 2021 were included. There were 387 (25.2%) with the industry sponsorship. CEAs sponsored by the industry were more likely to report ICERs below $50,000/QALY (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.91, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.45-2.51, P < 0.001), $100,000/QALY (2.74, 1.98-3.79, P < 0.001), and $150,000/QALY (3.53, 2.37-5.27, P < 0.001) than studies without industry sponsorship. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that there has been a significant sponsorship bias in CEAs in oncology. This bias could have a profound implication on drug pricing and coverage policy making.
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Gye A, Goodall S, De Abreu Lourenco R. Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Tisagenlecleucel Versus Blinatumomab in Children and Young Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Partitioned Survival Model to Assess the Impact of an Outcome-Based Payment Arrangement. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2023; 41:175-186. [PMID: 36266557 PMCID: PMC9883311 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-022-01188-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This research assesses the impact of an outcome-based payment arrangement (OBA) linking complete remission (CR) to survival as a means of maintaining cost-effectiveness for a chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy in young patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). METHODS A partitioned survival model (PSM) was used to model the cost-effectiveness of tisagenlecleucel versus blinatumomab in ALL from the Australian healthcare system perspective. A decision tree modeled different OBAs by funneling patients into a series of PSMs based on response. Outcomes were informed by individual patient data, while costs followed Australian treatment practices. Costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were combined to calculate a single incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), reported in US dollars (2022) at a discount rate of 5% on costs and outcomes. RESULTS For the base case, incremental costs and benefit were $379,595 and 4.27 QALYs, giving an ICER of $88,979. The ICER was most sensitive to discount rate ($57,660-$75,081), "cure point" ($62,718-$116,206) and extrapolation method ($76,018-$94,049). OBAs had a modest effect on the ICER when response rates varied. A responder-only payment was the most effective arrangement for maintaining the ICER ($88,249-$89,434), although this option was associated with the greatest financial uncertainty. A split payment arrangement (payment on infusion followed by payment on response) reduced variability in the ICER ($82,650-$99,154) compared with a single, upfront payment ($77,599-$107,273). CONCLUSION OBAs had a modest impact on reducing cost-effectiveness uncertainty. The value of OBAs should be weighed against the additional resources needed to administer such arrangements, and importantly overall cost to government.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Gye
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia.
| | - Stephen Goodall
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation (CHERE), University of Technology Sydney, Level 12, Building 10, 235 Jones Street, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Richard De Abreu Lourenco
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation (CHERE), University of Technology Sydney, Level 12, Building 10, 235 Jones Street, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
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Julian E, Pavlovic M, Sola-Morales O, Gianfrate F, Toumi M, Bucher HC, Dierks C, Greiner W, Mol P, Bergmann JF, Salmonson T, Hebborn A, Grande M, Cardone A, Ruof J. Shaping a research agenda to ensure a successful European health technology assessment: insights generated during the inaugural convention of the European access academy. HEALTH ECONOMICS REVIEW 2022; 12:54. [PMID: 36333433 PMCID: PMC9636785 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-022-00402-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Key challenges for a joint European Health Technology Assessment (HTA) include consolidated approaches towards the choice of adequate comparator(s), selection of endpoints that are relevant to patients with a given disease, dealing with remaining uncertainties as well as transparent and consistent management of related processes. We aimed to further crystallize related core domains within these four areas that warrant further research and scrutiny. METHODS Building on the outcomes of a previously conducted questionnaire survey, four key areas, processes, uncertainty, comparator choice and endpoint selection, were identified. At the inaugural convention of the European Access Academy dedicated working groups were established defining and prioritizing core domains for each of the four areas. The working groups consisted of ~ 10 participants each, representing all relevant stakeholder groups (patients/ clinicians/ regulators/ HTA & payers/ academia/ industry). Story books identifying the work assignments were shared in advance. Two leads and one note taker per working group facilitated the process. All rankings were conducted on an ordinal Likert Response Scale scoring from 1 (low priority) to 7 (high priority). RESULTS Identified key domains include for processes: i) address (resource-) challenge of multiple PICOs (Patient/ Intervention/ Comparator/ Outcomes), ii) time and capacity challenges, iii) integrating all involved stakeholders, iv) conflicts and aligning between different multi-national stakeholders, v) interaction with health technology developer; for uncertainty: i) early and inclusive collaboration, ii) agreement on feasibility of RCT and acceptance of uncertainty, iii) alignment on closing evidence gaps, iv) capacity gaps; for comparator choice: i) criteria for the choice of comparator in an increasingly fragmented treatment landscape, ii) reasonable number of comparators in PICOs, iii) shape Early Advice so that comparator fulfils both regulatory and HTA needs, iv) acceptability of Indirect Treatment Comparisons (ITC), v) ensure broad stakeholder involvement in comparator selection; for endpoint selection: i) approaching new endpoints; ii) patient preferences on endpoints; iii) position of HTA and other stakeholders; iv) long-term generation and secondary use of data; v) endpoint challenges in RCTs. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of a joint European HTA assessment is a unique opportunity for a stronger European Health Union. We identified 19 domains related to the four key areas, processes, uncertainty, comparator choice and endpoint selection that urgently need to be addressed for this regulation to become a success.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mira Pavlovic
- Medicines Development and Training (MDT) Services, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Mondher Toumi
- Faculty of Medicine, Public Health Department, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Heiner C Bucher
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (CEB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Wolfgang Greiner
- School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Peter Mol
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jörg Ruof
- R-Connect Ltd, Basel, Switzerland.
- Medical School of Hanover, Hanover, Germany.
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Landfeldt E. Gene Therapy for Neuromuscular Diseases: Health Economic Challenges and Future Perspectives. J Neuromuscul Dis 2022; 9:675-688. [DOI: 10.3233/jnd-221540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Highly efficacious, potentially curative gene therapies holds immense clinical promise, but also present complex challenges. At the time of regulatory approval and health technology assessment (HTA), evidence of efficacy and safety of gene therapies is often uncertain. In addition, research, development, and manufacturing costs, small pools of eligible patients, and the fact that many gene therapies are administered only once means that they frequently are associated with very high “one-off” price points. Although only a limited number of products have been brought to market globally, hundreds of clinical trials of gene therapies, including several of monogenetic neuromuscular diseases, are currently ongoing. Over time, as more and more conditions become amendable to gene therapy, the number of transformative, high-cost treatments is likely to increase considerably. For these reasons, concerns have been raised regarding the suitability of current health policy systems, including HTA frameworks, in ensuring appropriate access to these therapeutic innovations while simultaneously safeguarding value for taxpayers’ money, as well as affordability and sustainability. This review provides a summary overview of current challenges and future perspectives of gene therapies for neuromuscular diseases from a health economic point of view.
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Khodabukus A, Guyer T, Moore AC, Stevens MM, Guldberg RE, Bursac N. Translating musculoskeletal bioengineering into tissue regeneration therapies. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabn9074. [PMID: 36223445 PMCID: PMC7614064 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abn9074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal injuries and disorders are the leading cause of physical disability worldwide and a considerable socioeconomic burden. The lack of effective therapies has driven the development of novel bioengineering approaches that have recently started to gain clinical approvals. In this review, we first discuss the self-repair capacity of the musculoskeletal tissues and describe causes of musculoskeletal dysfunction. We then review the development of novel biomaterial, immunomodulatory, cellular, and gene therapies to treat musculoskeletal disorders. Last, we consider the recent regulatory changes and future areas of technological progress that can accelerate translation of these therapies to clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair Khodabukus
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Tyler Guyer
- Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Axel C Moore
- Departments of Materials and Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Molly M Stevens
- Departments of Materials and Bioengineering and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Robert E Guldberg
- Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Nenad Bursac
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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23
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Simoens S, De Groote K, Boersma C. Critical Reflections on Reimbursement and Access of Advanced Therapies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:771966. [PMID: 35662719 PMCID: PMC9157586 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.771966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The health economic literature has questioned the cost-effectiveness and affordability of advanced therapies, proposed adjustments to value assessment frameworks, and discussed the use of outcome-based managed entry agreements and staggered payments in the last few years. The aim of this manuscript is to conduct a critical reflection on assessment criteria and access conditions for reimbursement of advanced therapies. Methods: A narrative review of the peer-reviewed literature and grey literature was conducted in April 2021 by searching PubMed; Google Scholar; policy and legislative documents; websites of health technology assessment agencies, advanced therapy organisations, governmental advanced therapy innovation programmes, consultancy agencies; ISPOR conference abstracts and presentations. Results: Based on the available evidence, this manuscript argues that: a) advanced therapies can be cost-effective at high prices set by manufacturers; b) the economic evaluation framework adopted by many payers under-values these products; c) advanced therapies can be affordable and may not require spread payments; d) outcome-based managed entry agreements are theoretically attractive, but challenging in practice; e) the cost-effectiveness of advanced therapies depends on the outcome-based managed entry agreement and payment approach; f) there is a role for multinational collaborations to manage reimbursement and access of advanced therapies. Conclusions: This manuscript shows that there is no single approach to reimbursement and access of advanced therapies. Instead, we support a more tailored assessment of health economic aspects of advanced therapies, which considers the heterogeneity of these products and their target populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Simoens
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Cornelis Boersma
- Health Ecore, Zeist, Netherlands.,Open Universiteit, Heerlen, Netherlands.,University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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24
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Hogervorst MA, Vreman RA, Mantel-Teeuwisse AK, Goettsch WG. Reported Challenges in Health Technology Assessment of Complex Health Technologies. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2022; 25:992-1001. [PMID: 35667787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2021.11.1356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES With complex health technologies entering the market, methods for health technology assessment (HTA) may require changes. This study aimed to identify challenges in HTA of complex health technologies. METHODS A survey was sent to European HTA organizations participating in European Network for HTA (EUnetHTA). The survey contained open questions and used predefined potentially complex health technologies and 7 case studies to identify types of complex health technologies and challenges faced during HTA. The survey was validated, tested for reliability by an expert panel, and pilot tested before dissemination. RESULTS A total of 22 HTA organizations completed the survey (67%). Advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMPs) and histology-independent therapies were considered most challenging based on the predefined complex health technologies and case studies. For the case studies, more than half of the reported challenges were "methodological," equal in relative effectiveness assessments as in cost-effectiveness assessments. Through the open questions, we found that most of these challenges actually rooted in data unavailability. Data were reported as "absent," "insufficient," "immature," or "low quality" by 18 of 20 organizations (90%), in particular data on quality of life. Policy and organizational challenges and challenges because of societal or political pressure were reported by 8 (40%) and 4 organizations (20%), respectively. Modeling issues were reported least often (n = 2, 4%). CONCLUSIONS Most challenges in HTA of complex health technologies root in data insufficiencies rather than in the complexity of health technologies itself. As the number of complex technologies grows, the urgency for new methods and policies to guide HTA decision making increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milou A Hogervorst
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; National Health Care Institute, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Rick A Vreman
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; National Health Care Institute, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Aukje K Mantel-Teeuwisse
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wim G Goettsch
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; National Health Care Institute, Diemen, The Netherlands.
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25
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Sullivan SD, Sullivan KD, Dabbous O, Garrison LP. International reference pricing of pharmaceuticals in the United States: Implications for potentially curative treatments. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2022; 28:566-572. [PMID: 35471069 PMCID: PMC10373031 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2022.28.5.566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Recent federal drug price control proposals have included mechanisms to benchmark US prices to international prices. These international price referencing (IRP) proposals recommend that the US government develop an index based on prices paid by a group of higher-income countries and restrict US prices to a narrow range of the index. IRP is a policy tool used across the globe to control drug costs, particularly in markets in which health care resources are limited. If IRP is implemented in the United States, where the drug industry derives roughly 50% of global pharmaceutical sales, what impact might it have on innovation and access? In this brief commentary, we explore this question in the context of cell and gene therapies (CGTs) (evolving therapeutics that have high clinical potential as well as uncertainty and risk). Many CGTs are in development, and the world faces a challenge in providing access. Pressure to provide access to patients who would benefit may create greater global concerns about health equity and access. We conclude that an IRP policy in the United States might exacerbate access problems to promising CGTs and impact innovation and population health. Disclosures: Funding for this project was provided by Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc. Sean D Sullivan has received research support from and served as a consultant to Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc. Omar Dabbous is an employee of Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc., and owns stock and other equities. Louis P Garrison has received consulting fees from BioMarin, Inc., and Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc. Kiera D Sullivan has no conflicts to report. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the authors and not necessarily their institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean D Sullivan
- CHOICE Institute, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Kiera D Sullivan
- College of Creative Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, now with Singular Genomics, La Jolla, CA
| | | | - Louis P Garrison
- CHOICE Institute, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle
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26
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Qiu T, Pochopien M, Liang S, Saal G, Paterak E, Janik J, Toumi M. Gene Therapy Evidence Generation and Economic Analysis: Pragmatic Considerations to Facilitate Fit-for-Purpose Health Technology Assessment. Front Public Health 2022; 10:773629. [PMID: 35223725 PMCID: PMC8863657 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.773629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies (GTs) are considered to be a paradigm-shifting class of treatments with the potential to treat previously incurable diseases or those with significant unmet treatment needs. However, considerable challenges remain in their health technology assessment (HTA), mainly stemming from the inability to perform robust clinical trials to convince decision-makers to pay the high prices for the potential long-term treatment benefits provided. This article aims to review the recommendations that have been published for evidence generation and economic analysis for GTs against the feasibility of their implementation within current HTA decision analysis frameworks. After reviewing the systematically identified literature, we found that questions remain on the appropriateness of GT evidence generation, considering that additional, broader values brought by GTs seem insufficiently incorporated within proposed analytic methods. In cases where innovative methods are proposed, HTA organizations remain highly conservative and resistant to change their reference case and decision analysis framework. Such resistances are largely attributed to the substantial evidence uncertainty, resource-consuming administration process, and the absence of consensus on the optimized methodology to balance all the advantages and potential pitfalls of GTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Qiu
- Département de Santé Publique, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Michal Pochopien
- Department of Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Creativ-Ceutical, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Shuyao Liang
- Département de Santé Publique, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Gauri Saal
- Department of Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Apothecom, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ewelina Paterak
- Department of Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Creativ-Ceutical, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Janik
- Department of Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Creativ-Ceutical, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mondher Toumi
- Département de Santé Publique, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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27
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Ten Ham RMT, Frederix GWJ, Wu O, Goettsch W, Leufkens HGM, Klungel OH, Hoekman J. Key Considerations in the Health Technology Assessment of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products in Scotland, The Netherlands, and England. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2022; 25:390-399. [PMID: 35227451 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2021.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) are highly innovative therapies. Their costs and uncertain value claims have raised concerns among health technology assessment (HTA) bodies and payers. Little is known about how underlying considerations in HTA of ATMPs shape assessment and reimbursement recommendations. We aim to identify and assess key considerations that played a role in HTA of ATMPs underlying reimbursement recommendations. METHODS A review of HTA reports was conducted of all authorized ATMPs in Scotland, The Netherlands, and England. Considerations were extracted and categorized into EUnetHTA Core Model domains. Per jurisdiction, considerations were aggregated and key considerations identified (defined as occurring in >1/assessment per jurisdiction). A narrative analysis was conducted comparing key considerations between jurisdictions and different reimbursement recommendations. RESULTS We identified 15 ATMPs and 18 HTA reports. In The Netherlands and England most key considerations were identified in clinical effectiveness (EFF) and cost- and economic effectiveness (ECO) domains. In Scotland, the social aspects domain yielded most key considerations, followed by ECO and EFF. More uncertainty in evidence and assessment outcomes was accepted when orphan or end-of-life criteria were applied. A higher percentage of considerations supporting recommendations were identified for products with positive recommendations compared with restricted and negative recommendations. CONCLUSIONS This is the first empirical review of HTA's using the EUnetHTA Core Model to identify and structure key considerations retrospectively. It provides insights in supporting and opposing considerations for reimbursement of individual products and differences between jurisdictions. Besides the EFF and ECO domain, the social, ethical, and legal domains seem to bear considerable weight in assessment of ATMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renske M T Ten Ham
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
| | - Geert W J Frederix
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olivia Wu
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Wim Goettsch
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands; National Health Care Institute, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Hubert G M Leufkens
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Lygature, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf H Klungel
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jarno Hoekman
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Innovation Studies, Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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28
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Orphan drug development: the impact of regulatory and reimbursement frameworks. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:1724-1732. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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29
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Hogervorst MA, Pontén J, Vreman RA, Mantel-Teeuwisse AK, Goettsch WG. Real World Data in Health Technology Assessment of Complex Health Technologies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:837302. [PMID: 35222045 PMCID: PMC8866967 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.837302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The available evidence on relative effectiveness and risks of new health technologies is often limited at the time of health technology assessment (HTA). Additionally, a wide variety in real-world data (RWD) policies exist among HTA organizations. This study assessed which challenges, related to the increasingly complex nature of new health technologies, make the acceptance of RWD most likely. A questionnaire was disseminated among 33 EUnetHTA member HTA organizations. The questions focused on accepted data sources, circumstances that allowed for RWD acceptance and barriers to acceptance. The questionnaire was validated and tested for reliability by an expert panel, and pilot-tested before dissemination via LimeSurvey. Twenty-two HTA organizations completed the questionnaire (67%). All reported accepting randomized clinical trials. The most accepted RWD source were patient registries (19/22, 86%), the least accepted were editorials and expert opinions (8/22, 36%). With orphan treatments or companion diagnostics, organizations tended to be most likely to accept RWD sources, 4.3–3.2 on a 5-point Likert scale, respectively. Additional circumstances were reported to accept RWD (e.g., a high disease burden). The two most important barriers to accepting RWD were lacking necessary RWD sources and existing policy structures. European HTA organizations seem positive toward the (wider) use of RWD in HTA of complex therapies. Expanding the use of patient registries could be potentially useful, as a large share of the organizations already accepts this source. However, many barriers still exist to the widespread use of RWD. Our results can be used to prioritize circumstances in which RWD might be accepted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milou A. Hogervorst
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- National Health Care Institute (ZIN), Diemen, Netherlands
| | - Johan Pontén
- The Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency (TLV), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rick A. Vreman
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- National Health Care Institute (ZIN), Diemen, Netherlands
| | - Aukje K. Mantel-Teeuwisse
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Wim G. Goettsch
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- National Health Care Institute (ZIN), Diemen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Wim G. Goettsch,
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30
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Zhang M, Bao Y, Lang Y, Fu S, Kimber M, Levine M, Xie F. What Is Value in Health and Healthcare? A Systematic Literature Review of Value Assessment Frameworks. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2022; 25:302-317. [PMID: 35094803 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate how value is defined and measured in existing value assessment frameworks (VAFs) in healthcare. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination from 2008 to 2019. We also performed backward citation chaining of included studies and previously published systematic reviews. Studies reporting the development of a VAF in healthcare were included. For each included framework, we extracted and compared the context, target users, intended use, methods used to identify value attributes, description of the attributes, and attribute scoring approaches. RESULTS Of the 8151 articles screened, 57 VAFs were included. The value attributes included in 55 VAFs were grouped into 9 categories: health benefits (n = 53, 96%), affordability (n = 45, 82%), societal impact (n = 42, 76%), burden of disease (n = 36, 65%), quality of evidence (n = 32, 58%), cost-effectiveness (n = 31, 56%), ethics and equity (n = 27, 49%), unmet needs (n = 21, 38%), and innovation (n = 15, 27%). The remaining 2 VAFs used broad attributes or user-defined attributes. Literature review was the main approach to identify value attributes in 36 VAFs. Patient or public was engaged through the development of only 11 VAFs. Weighting has been used to score 29 VAFs, of which 19 used the methods of multicriteria decision analysis. CONCLUSIONS There are substantial variations in defining and measuring value. A noticeable weakness of existing VAFs is that patient or public engagement was generally very limited or missing in framework development process. Existing VAFs tend to aggregate multiple value attributes into a single index for decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Zhang
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Yun Bao
- Institute of Clinical Research and Evidence Based Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yitian Lang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huangpu Branch, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shihui Fu
- School of International Pharmaceutical Business, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Melissa Kimber
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Mitchell Levine
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Feng Xie
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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31
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Gallacher D, Stallard N, Kimani P, Gökalp E, Branke J. Development of a model to demonstrate the impact of National Institute of Health and Care Excellence cost-effectiveness assessment on health utility for targeted medicines. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2022; 31:417-430. [PMID: 34825428 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Advances in medical technology have led to a better understanding of heterogeneity of diseases and patients, and to the development of targeted medicines. This development is beneficial to society but can come at an increased cost to pharmaceutical manufacturers due to the costs associated with developing and manufacturing a diagnostic test. For such medicines, the conventional pricing structure, where a therapy is approved if it is deemed cost-effective, may not appropriately incentivize targeted drug development. We model the decision-making processes for both the healthcare provider and the pharmaceutical manufacturer, capturing their main priorities, and populate it with information from a recent appraisal by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence. Healthcare providers prefer a stratified drug to be developed for a subgroup of the population when the drug is on average effective in the subgroup but with a detrimental effect in the complement. Whilst pharmaceutical manufacturers' preferences are similar, regions of disagreement exist. We show how preferences can be aligned by either penalizing the development of a non-stratified drug or rewarding the development of a stratified drug. The cost and position of alignment depends on the true value of health to the healthcare provider, among other parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nigel Stallard
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Peter Kimani
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Elvan Gökalp
- School of Management, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, UK
| | - Juergen Branke
- Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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32
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Qiu T, Pochopień M, Hanna E, Liang S, Wang Y, Han R, Toumi M, Aballéa S. Challenges in the market access of regenerative medicines, and implications for manufacturers and decision-makers: a systematic review. Regen Med 2022; 17:119-139. [PMID: 35042424 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2021-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Regenerative medicines (RMs) are expected to transform the treatment paradigm of rare, life-threatening diseases, while substantial challenges impede its market access. This study aimed to present these challenges. Materials & methods: Publications identified in the Medline and Embase databases until December 2020 were included. Results: Uncertainties around the relative effectiveness and long-term benefits of RMs are most scrutinized. A new reference case for RMs is questionable, but examining impacts of study perspective, time horizon, discount rate and extrapolation methods on estimates is advised. Establishing reasonable prices of RMs requires increased transparency in the development costs and better values measurements. Outcome-based payments require considerable investments and potential legislative adjustments. Conclusion: Greater flexibility for health technology assessment and economic analyses of RMs is necessary. This comprehensive review may prompt more multi-stakeholder conversations to discuss the optimized strategy for value assessment, pricing and payment in order to accelerate the market access of RMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Qiu
- Department of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille, France
| | - Michał Pochopień
- Department of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille, France.,Creativ-Ceutical, 215, Rue du Faubourg St-Honoré, 75008, Paris, France
| | - Eve Hanna
- Creativ-Ceutical, 215, Rue du Faubourg St-Honoré, 75008, Paris, France
| | - Shuyao Liang
- Department of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille, France
| | - Yitong Wang
- Department of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille, France
| | - Ru Han
- Department of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille, France
| | - Mondher Toumi
- Department of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille, France
| | - Samuel Aballéa
- Creativ-Ceutical, 215, Rue du Faubourg St-Honoré, 75008, Paris, France
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Wettstein DJ, Boes S. How value-based policy interventions influence price negotiations for new medicines: An experimental approach and initial evidence. Health Policy 2021; 126:112-121. [PMID: 35000803 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various forms of value-based pricing policies for new medicines have recently been introduced in OECD countries. While these initiatives are expected to have a positive impact on societal outcomes such as availability, affordability and value for money, scientific evidence on this impact is scarce due to confidential agreements. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess the impact of value-based policy interventions in price negotiations on patient benefit in an experimental setting. METHODS An online experiment was conducted (n = 269). Participants were randomly assigned into the active role of either a buyer or seller in two intervention groups (cost-benefit, risk-sharing) and one control group. Decisions had real monetary consequences on other participants and through donations to a patient association. RESULTS Patient access, benefit and value for money were higher in the cost-benefit group than in the risk-sharing group. An available alternative to the agreement led to higher price offers. This effect was weaker in the cost-benefit group. CONCLUSIONS Outcomes of price negotiations on patient benefit depend on the alternatives available for failed or delayed negotiations. A shared but voluntary valuation framework might increase patient access, benefit, and value for money. The cost containment effect of risk-sharing agreements may be offset by the negative impact on overall patient benefit. Further development of the approach could provide support for policy design of pharmaceutical pricing regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik J Wettstein
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Frohburgstrasse 3, P.O. Box 4466, CH-6002 Lucerne, Switzerland.
| | - Stefan Boes
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Frohburgstrasse 3, P.O. Box 4466, CH-6002 Lucerne, Switzerland.
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Qiu T, Liang S, Wang Y, Dussart C, Borissov B, Toumi M. Reinforcing Collaboration and Harmonization to Unlock the Potentials of Advanced Therapy Medical Products: Future Efforts Are Awaited From Manufacturers and Decision-Makers. Front Public Health 2021; 9:754482. [PMID: 34900902 PMCID: PMC8655837 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.754482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Some advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) hold great promises for life-threatening diseases with high unmet needs. However, ATMPs are also associated with significant challenges in market access, which necessitates the joint efforts between all relevant stakeholders to navigate. In this review, we will elaborate on the importance of collaborations and harmonization across different stakeholders, to expedite the market access of promising ATMPs. Manufacturers of ATMPs should proactively establish collaborations with other stakeholders throughout the whole lifecycle of ATMPs, from early research to post-market activities. This covered engagements with (1) external developers (i.e., not-for-profit organizations and commercial players) to obtain complementary knowledge, technology, or infrastructures, (2) patient groups and healthcare providers to highlight their roles as active contributors, and (3) decision-makers, such as regulators, health technology assessment (HTA) agencies, and payers, to communicate the uncertainties in evidence package, where parallel consultation will be a powerful strategy. Harmonization between decision-makers is desired at (1) regulatory level, in terms of strengthening the international standardization of regulatory framework to minimize discrepancies in evidence requirements for market authorization, and (2) HTA level, in terms of enhancing alignments between regional and national HTA agencies to narrow inequity in patient access, and cross-border HTA cooperation to improve the quality and efficiency of HTA process. In conclusion, manufacturers and decision-makers shared the common goals to safeguard timely patient access to ATMPs. Collaboration and harmonization will be increasingly leveraged to enable the value delivery of ATMPs to all stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Qiu
- Département de Santé Publique, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Shuyao Liang
- Département de Santé Publique, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Yitong Wang
- Département de Santé Publique, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Claude Dussart
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | | | - Mondher Toumi
- Département de Santé Publique, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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Kamusheva M, Turcu-Stiolica A, Gierczyński J, Subtirelu MS, Czech M, Petrova G. Do Advanced Therapies Have a Future in the Low- and Middle-Income Countries - The Case of Bulgaria, Romania, and Poland. Front Public Health 2021; 9:729847. [PMID: 34497796 PMCID: PMC8419353 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.729847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The significant therapeutic potential of the advanced therapies (ATs) has predetermined the increased interests in their development mainly in the context of rare diseases most of which are genetically determined. However, there are still many challenges in front of the health insurance funds related to the cost-effectiveness and budget impact issues of these therapies. Our aim was to review and analyze the potential of low- and middle-income countries for health technology assessment (HTA) of advanced therapies focusing on Bulgaria, Romania and Poland as reference countries. A literature review of the existing good practices related to HTA of advanced therapies across the world and comparison with the national reality were performed. A list of challenges and issues from the point of view of the payer institution of all analyzed countries was performed. Pilot recommendations on how to overcome the barriers were created based on the existing practices and the potential of the national system. Discussion: 15 out of 80 articles identified in PubMed were found as applicable to the study scope as most of them were published in the period 2019–2021. Undoubtedly, the main challenges correspond to the high treatment costs, the uncertainty in clinical effectiveness, and poor HTA methodological approaches applicable for ATs worldwide. The issues identified for low and middle-income countries are similar having as well the lack of enough qualified health economists for the purposes of assessment and appraisal of HTA dossiers of the advanced therapies, lack of adequate existing separate financial programs for those therapies, and not preparedness of the health system and the society as a whole for such therapies. Conclusions: Despite the difficulties and challenges, the advanced therapies can be defined as a futuristic therapy for which great discoveries are yet to come. Therefore, each country should consider the implementation of reliable and nationally oriented programs for HTA and adequate financial coverage of these therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kamusheva
- Department of Organization and Economics of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Pharmacoeconomics Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Jakub Gierczyński
- Researcher Institute of Healthcare Management, Lazarski University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mihaela-Simona Subtirelu
- Pharmacoeconomics Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Marcin Czech
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Guenka Petrova
- Department of Organization and Economics of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Facey KM, Espin J, Kent E, Link A, Nicod E, O'Leary A, Xoxi E, van de Vijver I, Zaremba A, Benisheva T, Vagoras A, Upadhyaya S. Implementing Outcomes-Based Managed Entry Agreements for Rare Disease Treatments: Nusinersen and Tisagenlecleucel. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2021; 39:1021-1044. [PMID: 34231135 PMCID: PMC8260322 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-021-01050-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Enthusiasm for the use of outcomes-based managed entry agreements (OBMEAs) to manage uncertainties apparent at the time of appraisal/pricing and reimbursement of new medicines has waned over the past decade, as challenges in establishment, implementation and re-appraisal have been identified. With the recent advent of innovative treatments for rare diseases that have uncertainties in the clinical evidence base, but which could meet a high unmet need, there has been renewed interest in the potential of OBMEAs. The objective of this research was to review the implementation of OBMEAs for two case studies across countries in the European Union, Australia and Canada, to identify good practices that could inform development of tools to support implementation of OBMEAs. METHODS To investigate how OBMEAs are being implemented with rare disease treatments, we collected information from health technology assessment/payer experts in countries that had implemented OBMEAs for either nusinersen in spinal muscular atrophy or tisagenlecleucel in two cancer indications. Operational characteristics of the OBMEAs that were publicly available were documented. Then, the experts discussed issues in implementing these OBMEAs and specific approaches taken to overcome challenges. RESULTS The OBMEAs identified were based on individual outcomes to ensure appropriate use, manage continuation of treatment and in two cases linked to payment schedules, or they were population based, coverage with evidence development. For nusinersen, population-based OBMEAs are documented in Belgium, England and the Netherlands and individual-based schemes in Bulgaria, Ireland, Italy and Lithuania. For tisagenlecleucel, there were population-based schemes in Australia, Belgium, England and France and individual-based schemes in Italy and Spain. Comparison of the OBMEA constructs showed some clear published frameworks and clarity of the uncertainties to be addressed that were similar across countries. Agreements were generally made between the marketing authorisation holder and the payer with involvement of expert physicians. Only England and the Netherlands involved patients. Italy used its long-established, national, web-based, treatment-specific data collection system linked to reimbursement and Spain has just developed such a national treatment registry system. Other countries relied on a variety of data collection systems (including clinical registries) and administrative data. Durations of agreements varied for these treatments as did processes for interim reporting. The processes to ensure data quality, completeness and sufficiency for re-analysis after coverage with evidence development were not always clear, neither were analysis plans. CONCLUSIONS These case studies have shown that important information about the constructs of OBMEAs for rare disease treatments are publicly available, and for some jurisdictions, interim reports of progress. Outcomes-based managed entry agreements can play an important role not only in reimbursement, but also in treatment optimisation. However, they are complex to implement and should be the exception and not the rule. More recent OBMEAs have developed document covenants among stakeholders or electronic systems to provide assurances about data sufficiency. For coverage with evidence development, there is an opportunity for greater collaboration among jurisdictions to share processes, develop common data collection agreements, and share interim and final reports. The establishment of an international public portal to host such reports would be particularly valuable for rare disease treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Facey
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, NINE Edinburgh Bioquarter, 9 Little France Road, Edinburgh, 16 4UX, EH, UK.
| | - Jaime Espin
- Andalusian School of Public Health/Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública (EASP), Granada, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs, Granada, Spain
| | - Emma Kent
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), London, UK
| | - Angèl Link
- Zorginstituut (ZIN) Nederland, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Elena Nicod
- Centre for Research on Health and Social Care Management (CERGAS), Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
| | - Aisling O'Leary
- National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE), Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Entela Xoxi
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Inneke van de Vijver
- National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anna Zaremba
- Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System (AOTMiT), Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Andrius Vagoras
- Pharmacy Center, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Sheela Upadhyaya
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), London, UK
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Pochopień M, Qiu T, Aballea S, Clay E, Toumi M. Considering potential solutions for limitations and challenges in the health economic evaluation of gene therapies. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2021; 21:1145-1158. [PMID: 34407704 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2021.1969229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The limited evidence in the clinical trials of gene therapies (GTs) posed substantial challenges for a reliable health technology assessment (HTA). This paper provides insights into the relationship between the background of diseases and the health economics assessment of GTs.Areas covered: The impacts of differentiated severity and unmet needs of genetic diseases, on the economic analysis of GTs, were discussed.Expert opinion: GTs offer a potential cure or significant clinical improvement, while limitations in clinical evidence constitute major obstacles for a robust assessment of clinical effectiveness and economic outcomes. This uncertainty may be balanced by the severity of the targeted condition and the associated unmet needs, thus leading to a relatively higher acceptance for GTs. Overtime, HTA agencies will become more demanding on comprehensive evidence of long-term effectiveness. With a growing number of GTs on the horizon, to what extent the unmet needs of previously devastating diseases will be fulfilled remain unclear. Nonetheless, comparative studies, either with a historical control group or existing treatments, will be necessary to demonstrate the additional benefits associated with GTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Pochopień
- Public health department, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Department of health economics and outcomes research, Creativ-Ceutical, Kraków, Poland
| | - Tingting Qiu
- Public health department, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Samuel Aballea
- Public health department, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Clay
- Department of health economics and outcomes research, Creativ-Ceutical, Paris, France
| | - Mondher Toumi
- Public health department, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
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Cost or price of sequencing? Implications for economic evaluations in genomic medicine. Genet Med 2021; 23:1833-1835. [PMID: 34113006 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-021-01223-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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The impact of COVID-19 on the cell and gene therapies industry: Disruptions, opportunities, and future prospects. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:2269-2281. [PMID: 33892148 PMCID: PMC8057929 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has caused significant disruption to the cell and gene therapy (CGT) industry, which has historically faced substantial complexities in supply of materials, and manufacturing and logistics processes. As decision-makers shifted their priorities to COVID-19-related issues, the challenges in market authorisation, and price and reimbursement of CGTs were amplified. Nevertheless, it is encouraging to see that some CGT developers are adapting their efforts toward the development of promising COVID-19-related therapeutics and vaccines. Manufacturing resilience, digitalisation, telemedicine, value-based pricing, and innovative payment mechanisms will be increasingly harnessed to ensure that market access of CGTs is not severely disrupted.
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Zhou W, Wang X. Human gene therapy: A scientometric analysis. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 138:111510. [PMID: 33756158 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
To provide a clear landscape, trends, and research frontiers of gene therapy, we systematically retrieved a total of 62,961 peer-viewed studies published between 1996 and 2020 from the Scopus, Web of Science, and 42,120 Inpadoc patent families from Derwent Innovation databases. Multiple bibliometric approaches suggest that gene therapy began to recover in 2013 after a period of significant decline. However, metrics in terms of authors and scholarly output growth, FWCI, annual citations, percentage of high-impact journal literature, and patent-citations per scholarly output are still weak at this stage, indicating a lack of research momentum. We also visualized gene therapy's knowledge structure by employing citation analysis, co-citation analysis, and co-word analysis, revealing its research hotspots and trends by text mining with Natural Language Processing. For the current predicament, we propose that the future success of gene therapy may depend on breakthroughs in more advanced and exhilarating technologies such as the CRISPR-Cas system, CAR-T cell therapies, and gene delivery vector technology. The results show that evidence-based bibliometrics allows the dissection of gene therapy to inform scientific planning and decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuyuan Zhou
- Zhejiang Academy of Science and Technology Information, Hangzhou 310006, China.
| | - Xiang Wang
- Key Laboratory for Translational Medicine, First People's Hospital Affiliated, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China.
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Yamada S, Behfar A, Terzic A. Regenerative medicine clinical readiness. Regen Med 2021; 16:309-322. [PMID: 33622049 PMCID: PMC8050983 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2020-0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Regenerative medicine, poised to transform 21st century healthcare, has aspired to enrich care options by bringing cures to patients in need. Science-driven responsible and regulated translation of innovative technology has enabled the launch of previously unimaginable care pathways adopted prudently for select serious diseases and disabilities. The collective resolve to advance the design, manufacture and validity of affordable regenerative solutions aims to democratize such health benefits for all. The objective of this Review is to outline the framework and prerequisites that underpin clinical readiness of regenerative care. Integrated research and development, specialized workforce education and accessible evidence-based practice implementation are at the core of realizing an equitable regenerative medicine vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satsuki Yamada
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Marriott Heart Disease Research Program, Van Cleve Cardiac Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 55905 MN, USA
- Division of Geriatric Medicine & Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 55905 MN, USA
| | - Atta Behfar
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Marriott Heart Disease Research Program, Van Cleve Cardiac Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 55905 MN, USA
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 55905 MN, USA
| | - Andre Terzic
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Marriott Heart Disease Research Program, Van Cleve Cardiac Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 55905 MN, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, 55905 MN, USA
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