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Vogler S, Habimana K, Haasis MA, Fischer S. Pricing, Procurement and Reimbursement Policies for Incentivizing Market Entry of Novel Antibiotics and Diagnostics: Learnings from 10 Countries Globally. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2024; 22:629-652. [PMID: 38837100 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-024-00888-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fostering market entry of novel antibiotics and enhanced use of diagnostics to improve the quality of antibiotic prescribing are avenues to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is a major public health threat. Pricing, procurement and reimbursement policies may work as AMR 'pull incentives' to support these objectives. This paper studies pull incentives in pricing, procurement and reimbursement policies (e.g., additions to, modifications of, and exemptions from standard policies) for novel antibiotics, diagnostics and health products with a similar profile in 10 study countries. It also explores whether incentives for non-AMR health products could be transferred to AMR health products. METHODS This research included a review of policies in 10 G20 countries based on literature and unpublished documents, and the production of country fact sheets that were validated by country experts. Initial research was conducted in 2020 and updated in 2023. RESULTS Identified pull incentives in pricing policies include free pricing, higher prices at launch and price increases over time, managed-entry agreements, and waiving or reducing mandatory discounts. Incentives in procurement comprise value-based procurement, pooled procurement and models that delink prices from volumes (subscription-based schemes), whereas incentives in reimbursement include lower evidence requirements for inclusion in the reimbursement scheme, accelerated reimbursement processes, separate budgets that offer add-on funding, and adapted prescribing conditions. CONCLUSIONS While a few pull incentives have been piloted or implemented for antibiotics in recent years, these mechanisms have been mainly used to incentivize launch of certain non-AMR health products, such as orphan medicines. Given similarities in their product characteristics, transferability of some of these pull incentives appears to be possible; however, it would be essential to conduct impact assessments of these incentives. Trade-offs between incentives to foster market entry and thus potentially improve access and the financial sustainability for payers need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Vogler
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Policies, Pharmacoeconomics Department, Gesundheit Österreich (GÖG/Austrian National Public Health Institute), 1010, Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Health Care Management, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Katharina Habimana
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Policies, Pharmacoeconomics Department, Gesundheit Österreich (GÖG/Austrian National Public Health Institute), 1010, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manuel Alexander Haasis
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Policies, Pharmacoeconomics Department, Gesundheit Österreich (GÖG/Austrian National Public Health Institute), 1010, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Fischer
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Policies, Pharmacoeconomics Department, Gesundheit Österreich (GÖG/Austrian National Public Health Institute), 1010, Vienna, Austria
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DiStefano MJ, Pearson SD, Rind DM, Zemplenyi A. How Do the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review's Assessments of Comparative Effectiveness Compare With the German Federal Joint Committee's Assessments of Added Benefit? A Qualitative Study. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2024; 27:1066-1072. [PMID: 38679288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2024.04.015] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We compared the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review's (ICER) ratings of comparative clinical effectiveness with the German Federal Joint Committee's (G-BA) added benefit ratings, and explored what factors may explain the disagreement between the 2 organizations. METHODS We included drugs if they were assessed by ICER under its 2020 to 2023 Value Assessment Framework and had a corresponding assessment by G-BA as of January 2024 for the same indication, patient population, and comparator drug. To compare assessments, we modified ICER's proposed crosswalk between G-BA and ICER benefit ratings to account for G-BA's certainty ratings. We also determined whether each pair was based on similar evidence. Assessment pairs exhibiting disagreement based on the modified crosswalk despite a similar evidence base were qualitatively analyzed to identify reasons for disagreement. RESULTS Out of 15 drug assessment pairs matched on indication, patient subgroup, and comparator, none showed agreement in their assessments when based on similar evidence. Disagreement was attributed to differences in evidence evaluation, including evaluations of safety, generalizability, and study design, as well as G-BA's rejection of the available evidence in 4 cases as unsuitable. CONCLUSIONS The findings demonstrate that even under conditions where populations and comparators are identical and the evidence base is consistent, different assessors may arrive at divergent conclusions about comparative effectiveness, thus underscoring the presence of value judgments within assessments of clinical effectiveness. To support initiatives that seek to facilitate the exchange of value assessments between countries, these value judgments should always be transparently presented and justified in assessment summaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J DiStefano
- Center for Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | | | - David M Rind
- Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antal Zemplenyi
- Center for Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Fontrier AM, Kamphuis B, Kanavos P. How can health technology assessment be improved to optimise access to medicines? Results from a Delphi study in Europe : Better access to medicines through HTA. THE EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS : HEPAC : HEALTH ECONOMICS IN PREVENTION AND CARE 2024; 25:935-950. [PMID: 37917290 PMCID: PMC11283424 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-023-01637-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Access to medicines is a shared goal across healthcare stakeholders. Since health technology assessment (HTA) informs funding decisions, it shapes access to medicines. Despite its wide implementation, significant access variations due to HTA are observed across Europe. This paper elicited the opinions of European stakeholders on how HTA can be improved to facilitate access. METHODS A scoping review identified HTA features that influence access to medicines within markets and areas for improvement, while three access dimensions were identified (availability, affordability, timeliness). Using the Delphi method, we elicited the opinions of European stakeholders to validate the literature findings. RESULTS Nineteen participants from 14 countries participated in the Delphi panel. Thirteen HTA features that could be improved to optimise access to medicines in Europe were identified. Of these, 11 recorded a positive impact on at least one of the three access dimensions. HTA features had mostly a positive impact on timeliness and a less clear impact on affordability. 'Early scientific advice' and 'clarity in evidentiary requirements' showed a positive impact on all access dimensions. 'Established ways to deal with uncertainty during HTA' could improve medicines' availability and timeliness, while more 'reliance on real-world evidence' could expedite time to market access. CONCLUSIONS Our results reiterate that increased transparency during HTA and the decision-making processes is essential; the use of and reliance on new evidence generation such as real-world evidence can optimise the availability of medicines; and better collaborations between regulatory institutions within and between countries are paramount for better access to medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Maria Fontrier
- LSE Health-Medical Technology Research Group and Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, London, WC2A 2AE, UK.
| | - Bregtje Kamphuis
- LSE Health-Medical Technology Research Group and Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, London, WC2A 2AE, UK
| | - Panos Kanavos
- LSE Health-Medical Technology Research Group and Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, London, WC2A 2AE, UK
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Schweitzer MK, Dold MN, Genet A, Gossens K, Klein-Hessling T, Löffler N, Rabel M, Rasch A, Reuter EM, Schmelcher J, Wolfram N, Werner S. Shaping a suitable EU HTA dossier template: why the German template is not fit for purpose. THE EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS : HEPAC : HEALTH ECONOMICS IN PREVENTION AND CARE 2024; 25:877-888. [PMID: 37843703 PMCID: PMC11192812 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-023-01631-5] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
From 2025, Health Technology Developers (HTDs) have to submit EU HTA dossiers. The joint clinical assessment (JCA) aims to streamline HTA processes and access to medicinal products across Europe. Currently, German HTA bodies IQWiG and G-BA actively shape the JCA methodology. Here we examine if German HTA dossier requirements are suitable for the JCA. We compare the number of safety endpoint and subgroup analyses in German dossiers with analyses considered in IQWIG's benefit assessment and evaluate if these analyses were considered by the G-BA. We further investigated how the number of analyses was affected by the latest change in the German dossier template. With the current template, HTDs report in median 2.6 times more analyses on adverse events (AE) and 1.1 times more subgroup categories than in the previous template. IQWiG does not consider 33% of AE analyses and 73% of the subgroup categories presented by the HTD under the current template. G-BA considered the same AE as IQWiG in 76% of cases. Subgroups were uncommented by G-BA in most cases, independent of the template (previous: 93%, current 85%) and unconsidered in the conclusion on additional benefit (previous: 77%, current 69%). Thus, changes in the dossier template drastically increased HTD workload, but additional analyses seem unconsidered by the HTA bodies. With a broader scope in JCA, this effect could be amplified. To mitigate duplicative efforts and ensure prompt availability of medicinal products as envisioned by the HTAR, we suggest well-chosen and precise dossier requirements, early consultations, and early HTD engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuel Nico Dold
- AMS Advanced Medical Services GmbH, Am Exerzierplatz 2, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Astrid Genet
- Pfizer Deutschland GmbH, Linkstraße 10, 10785, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Gossens
- AbbVie Deutschland, GmbH & Co. KG, Mainzer Straße 81, 65189, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | | | - Nils Löffler
- Pfizer Deutschland GmbH, Linkstraße 10, 10785, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Rabel
- AMS Advanced Medical Services GmbH, Rosa-Bavarese-Str. 5, 80639, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrej Rasch
- Verband Forschender Arzneimittelhersteller e.V., Hausvogteiplatz 13, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Reuter
- AMS Advanced Medical Services GmbH, Rosa-Bavarese-Str. 5, 80639, Munich, Germany
| | - Jessica Schmelcher
- AMS Advanced Medical Services GmbH, Rosa-Bavarese-Str. 5, 80639, Munich, Germany
| | - Natalia Wolfram
- AbbVie Deutschland, GmbH & Co. KG, Mainzer Straße 81, 65189, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Sebastian Werner
- Verband Forschender Arzneimittelhersteller e.V., Hausvogteiplatz 13, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
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Büssgen M, Stargardt T. 10 Years of AMNOG: What is the Willingness-to-Pay for Pharmaceuticals in Germany? APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2023; 21:751-759. [PMID: 37249741 PMCID: PMC10227403 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-023-00815-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The German Pharmaceutical Market Restructuring Act (AMNOG, 2011) is a two-stage process to regulate the price of new pharmaceuticals in which price negotiations are conducted based on evidence-based medical benefit assessments using data from prior clinical trials. Although the act does not explicitly set a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold, the process itself implicitly establishes a WTP for health improvement. We evaluated the implicit WTP for prescription pharmaceuticals post-AMNOG in the German healthcare system from the decision-maker/payer perspective. METHODS We extracted data on patient-group-specific annual treatment costs and endpoints from 2011 to 2021 from the dossiers assessed by the German Federal Joint Committee (FJC; Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss). Using incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), we calculated a WTP for the indications (I) diabetes, (II) cardiovascular disease, and (III) psoriasis weighted according to patient group size, first from the perspective of the decision-maker (approach A), and second from the perspective of the industry (approach B). To put clinical outcome measures into relation to one another, minimum clinically important differences (MCIDs) were derived from the literature and compared. RESULTS The annual treatment costs of newly authorized drugs were substantially higher (both pre- and post-negotiation) than that of their comparators (e.g., psoriasis, pre-negotiation: €20,601.59, post-negotiation: €16,763.57; comparators: €5178.00). However, although newly launched drugs were more expensive than their comparators, they brought greater medical benefits and were more aligned with value (r = 0.59, P < 0.001) than older drugs. We estimated WTP to vary widely by indication group [€33,814.08 per 1 percentage point hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reduction for diabetes, €10,970.83 per life year gained for cardiovascular disease, and €663.46 per 1% PASI decrease for psoriasis; approach A]. WTP was converted to MCID thresholds: diabetes: €16,907.04; cardiovascular drugs: no MCID existent to convert; and psoriasis: €33,173.00. WTP remained constant over time for diabetes and cardiovascular drugs but increased for psoriasis drugs. CONCLUSION This paper is one of the first to estimate the implicit WTP for prescription pharmaceuticals post-AMNOG and suggests that the WTP may vary between different therapeutic areas. Additionally, making different assumptions (approach A versus approach B) with regard to the assumed effectiveness in indication areas that had been declared as having no additional benefit by the FJC may explain the different perspectives of decision-makers and of the pharmaceutical industry on the value of a pharmaceutical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Büssgen
- Hamburg Center for Health Economics, University of Hamburg, Esplanade 36, 20354, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Tom Stargardt
- Hamburg Center for Health Economics, University of Hamburg, Esplanade 36, 20354, Hamburg, Germany
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Schaefer R, Hernández D, Bärnighausen T, Kolominsky-Rabas P, Schlander M. Health Technology Assessment-Informed Decision Making by the Federal Joint Committee/Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care in Germany and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England: The Role of Budget Impact. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2023; 26:1032-1044. [PMID: 36921901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2023.02.018] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to test (official) evaluation criteria including the potential role of budget impact (BI) on health technology assessment (HTA) outcomes published by the Federal Joint Committee (Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss [GBA]) and the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (Institut für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen [IQWiG]) in Germany as well as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in England. METHODS Data were extracted from all publicly available GBA decisions and IQWiG assessments as well as NICE single technology appraisals between January 2011 and June 2018, and information with regard to evaluation criteria used by these agencies was collected. Data were analyzed using logistic regression to estimate the effect of the BI on the HTA outcomes while controlling for criteria used by GBA/IQWiG and NICE. RESULTS NICE recommendations are largely driven by the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio and, if applicable, by end-of-life criteria (P < .01). While IQWiG assessments are significantly affected by the availability of randomized controlled trials and patient-relevant endpoints (P < .01), GBA appraisals primarily focus on endpoints (P < .01). The BI correlated with NICE single technology appraisals (inverted-U relationship, P < .1) and IQWiG recommendations (increasing linear relationship, P < .05), but not with GBA decisions (P > .1). Nevertheless, given that IQWiG assessments seem to be more rigorous than GBA appraisals regarding the consideration of evidence-based evaluation criteria, decisions by GBA might be negatively associated with the BI. CONCLUSIONS Results reveal that GBA/IQWiG and NICE follow their official evaluation criteria consistently. After controlling for all significant variables, the BI seems to have an (independent) effect on HTA outcomes as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Schaefer
- Division of Health Economics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Mannheim Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Institute for Innovation & Valuation in Health Care (InnoVal(HC)), Wiesbaden, Germany.
| | - Diego Hernández
- Division of Health Economics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter Kolominsky-Rabas
- Interdisciplinary Center for Health Technology Assessment and Public Health (IZPH), University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Schlander
- Division of Health Economics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Mannheim Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Institute for Innovation & Valuation in Health Care (InnoVal(HC)), Wiesbaden, Germany; Alfred-Weber-Institute, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Büssgen M, Stargardt T. Does health technology assessment compromise access to pharmaceuticals? THE EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS : HEPAC : HEALTH ECONOMICS IN PREVENTION AND CARE 2023; 24:437-451. [PMID: 35708786 PMCID: PMC10060338 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-022-01484-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In response to rapidly rising pharmaceutical costs, many countries have introduced health technology assessment (HTA) as a 'fourth hurdle'. We evaluated the causal effect of HTA based regulation on access to pharmaceuticals by using the introduction of Germany's HTA system (AMNOG) in 2011. We obtained launch data on pharmaceuticals for 30 European countries from the IQVIA (formerly IMS) database. Using difference-in-difference models, we estimated the effect of AMNOG on launch delay, the ranking order of launch delays, and the availability of pharmaceuticals. We then compared the results for Germany to Austria, Czechia, Italy, Portugal, and the UK. Across all six countries, launch delays decreased from the pre-AMNOG period (25.01 months) to the post-AMNOG period (14.34 months). However, the introduction of AMNOG consistently reduced the magnitude of the decrease in launch delay in Germany compared to the comparator countries (staggered DiD: + 4.31 months, p = 0.05). Our logit results indicate that the availability of pharmaceuticals in Germany increased as a result of AMNOG (staggered logit: + 5.78%, p = 0.009). We provide evidence on the trade-off between regulation and access. This can help policymakers make better-informed decisions to strike the right balance between cost savings achieved through HTA based regulation and access to pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Büssgen
- Hamburg Center for Health Economics, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Tom Stargardt
- Hamburg Center for Health Economics, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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Pham C, Le K, Draves M, Seoane-Vazquez E. Assessment of FDA-Approved Drugs Not Recommended for Use or Reimbursement in Other Countries, 2017-2020. JAMA Intern Med 2023; 183:290-297. [PMID: 36780147 PMCID: PMC9926356 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.6787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Importance Drug expenditures in the US are higher than in any other country and are projected to continue increasing, so US health systems may benefit from evaluating international regulatory and reimbursement decision-making of new drugs. Objective To evaluate regulatory decisions and health technology assessments (HTAs) in Australia, Canada, and the UK regarding new drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 through 2020, as well as to estimate the US cost per patient per year for drugs receiving negative recommendations. Design and Setting In this cross-sectional study, recommendations issued by agencies in Australia, Canada, and the UK were collected for new drugs approved by the FDA in 2017 through 2020. All data were current as of May 31, 2022. Exposures Authorizations and HTAs in selected countries. Main Outcomes and Measures All FDA-approved drugs were matched by active ingredient to decision summary reports published by drug regulators and HTA agencies in Australia, Canada, and the UK. Regulatory approval concordance and reasons for negative recommendations were assessed using descriptive statistics. For drugs not recommended by an international agency, the annual US drug cost per patient was estimated from FDA labeling and wholesale acquisition costs. Results The FDA approved 206 new drugs in 2017 through 2020, of which 162 (78.6%) were granted marketing authorization by at least 1 other regulatory agency at a median (IQR) delay of 12.1 (17.7) months following US approval. Conversely, 5 FDA-approved drugs were refused marketing authorization by an international regulatory agency due to unfavorable benefit-to-risk assessments. An additional 42 FDA-approved drugs received negative reimbursement recommendations from HTA agencies in Australia, Canada, or the UK due to uncertainty of clinical benefits or unacceptably high prices. The median (IQR) US cost of the 47 drugs refused authorization or not recommended for reimbursement by an international agency was $115 281 ($166 690) per patient per year. Twenty drugs were for oncology indications, and 36 were approved by the FDA through expedited regulatory pathways or the Orphan Drug Act. Conclusions and Relevance This cross-sectional study assessed reasons for which drugs recently approved by the FDA were refused marketing authorization or not recommended for public reimbursement in other countries. Drugs with limited international market presence may require close examination by US health care professionals and health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Pham
- Pharmacy Outcomes Research Group, Kaiser Permanente National Pharmacy, Downey, California
| | - Kim Le
- Drug Evaluation, Strategy, and Outcomes, Kaiser Permanente National Pharmacy, Downey, California
| | | | - Enrique Seoane-Vazquez
- School of Pharmacy and Economic Science Institute, Chapman University, Irvine, California
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Sharman Moser S, Tanser F, Siegelmann-Danieli N, Apter L, Chodick G, Solomon J. The reimbursement process in three national healthcare systems: variation in time to reimbursement of pembrolizumab for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:22. [PMID: 36797806 PMCID: PMC9936745 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00529-0] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In this article, we focus on the reimbursement process, and as an example, characterize the time to reimbursement of pembrolizumab, a PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor for treatment of metastatic NSCLC from publicly available websites, in three different healthcare systems: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) in Australia, and the National Advisory Committee for the Basket of Health Services in Israel, all who have publicly funded health systems which include drug coverage. Our study found that there are substantial differences in time to reimbursement of pembrolizumab for the same conditions in different countries, with NICE and The National Advisory Committee for the Basket of Health Services in Israel approving one condition at the same time, Israel approving two conditions earlier than NICE, and PBAC lagging behind for every condition. These differences could be due to the differences in health policy systems and the many factors that affect reimbursement. Comparing the reimbursement process between different countries can highlight the challenges facing their health systems in early adoption of new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Sharman Moser
- Maccabi Institute for Research and Innovation (Maccabitech), Maccabi Healthcare Services, 27 Hamered St, 6812509, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Frank Tanser
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262Lincoln International Institute of Rural Health, Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Way, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS UK
| | - Nava Siegelmann-Danieli
- grid.425380.8Maccabi Institute for Research and Innovation (Maccabitech), Maccabi Healthcare Services, 27 Hamered St, 6812509 Tel Aviv, Israel ,grid.12136.370000 0004 1937 0546Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lior Apter
- grid.425380.8Maccabi Institute for Research and Innovation (Maccabitech), Maccabi Healthcare Services, 27 Hamered St, 6812509 Tel Aviv, Israel ,grid.7489.20000 0004 1937 0511Department of Health Systems Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Gabriel Chodick
- grid.425380.8Maccabi Institute for Research and Innovation (Maccabitech), Maccabi Healthcare Services, 27 Hamered St, 6812509 Tel Aviv, Israel ,grid.12136.370000 0004 1937 0546Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Josie Solomon
- grid.36511.300000 0004 0420 4262The School of Pharmacy, Joseph Banks Laboratories, University of Lincoln, Beevor Street, Lincoln, LN6 7DL UK
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How do HTA agencies perceive conditional approval of medicines? Evidence from England, Scotland, France and Canada. Health Policy 2022; 126:1130-1143. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Mansilla C, Kuhn-Barrientos L, Celedón N, de Feria R, Abelson J. Health technology assessment processes: a North-South comparison of the evaluation and recommendation of health technologies in Canada and Chile. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH GOVERNANCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/ijhg-10-2021-0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeHealth systems are progressively stressed by health spending, which is partially explained by the increase in the cost of health technologies. Countries have defined processes to prioritize interventions to be covered. This study aims to compare for the first time health technology assessment (HTA) processes in Canada and Chile, to explain the factors driving these decisions.Design/methodology/approachThis is a health policy analysis comparing HTA processes in Canada and Chile. An analysis of publicly available documents in Canada (for CADTH) and Chile (for the Ministry of Health (MoH)) was carried out. A recognized political science framework (the 3-I framework) was used to explain the similarities and differences in both countries. The comparison of processes was disaggregated into eligibility and evaluation processes.FindingsCADTH has different programmes for different types of drugs (with two separate expert committees), whereas the MoH has a unified process. Although CADTH’s recommendations have a federal scope, the final coverage is a provincial decision. In Chile, the recommendation has a national scope. In both cases, past recommendations influence the scope of the evaluation. Pharmaceutical companies and patient associations are important interest groups in both countries. Whereas manufacturers and tumour groups are able to submit applications to CADTH, the Chilean MoH prioritizes applications submitted by patient associations.Originality/valueInstitutions, interests and ideas play important roles in driving HTA decisions in Canada and Chile, which is demonstrated in this novel analysis. This paper provides a unique comparison to highly relevant policy processes in HTA, which is often a research area dominated by effectiveness and cost-effectiveness studies.
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Promoting innovation while controlling cost: The UK's approach to health technology assessment. Health Policy 2022; 126:224-233. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2022.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Papanicolas I, Figueroa JF, Schoenfeld AJ, Riley K, Abiona O, Arvin M, Atsma F, Bernal‐Delgado E, Bowden N, Blankart CR, Deeny S, Estupiñán‐Romero F, Gauld R, Haywood P, Janlov N, Knight H, Lorenzoni L, Marino A, Or Z, Penneau A, Shatrov K, Stafford M, van de Galien O, van Gool K, Wodchis W, Jha AK. Differences in health care spending and utilization among older frail adults in high-income countries: ICCONIC hip fracture persona. Health Serv Res 2021; 56 Suppl 3:1335-1346. [PMID: 34390254 PMCID: PMC8579209 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explores differences in spending and utilization of health care services for an older person with frailty before and after a hip fracture. DATA SOURCES We used individual-level patient data from five care settings. STUDY DESIGN We compared utilization and spending of an older person aged older than 65 years for 365 days before and after a hip fracture across 11 countries and five domains of care as follows: acute hospital care, primary care, outpatient specialty care, post-acute rehabilitative care, and outpatient drugs. Utilization and spending were age and sex standardized.. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS The data were compiled by the International Collaborative on Costs, Outcomes, and Needs in Care (ICCONIC) across 11 countries as follows: Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The sample ranged from 1859 patients in Spain to 42,849 in France. Mean age ranged from 81.2 in Switzerland to 84.7 in Australia. The majority of patients across countries were female. Relative to other countries, the United States had the lowest inpatient length of stay (11.3), but the highest number of days were spent in post-acute care rehab (100.7) and, on average, had more visits to specialist providers (6.8 per year) than primary care providers (4.0 per year). Across almost all sectors, the United States spent more per person than other countries per unit ($13,622 per hospitalization, $233 per primary care visit, $386 per MD specialist visit). Patients also had high expenditures in the year prior to the hip fracture, mostly concentrated in the inpatient setting. CONCLUSION Across 11 high-income countries, there is substantial variation in health care spending and utilization for an older person with frailty, both before and after a hip fracture. The United States is the most expensive country due to high prices and above average utilization of post-acute rehab care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jose F. Figueroa
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Andrew J. Schoenfeld
- Department of Orthopedic SurgeryBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Kristen Riley
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Olukorede Abiona
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation (CHERE)University of TechnologySydneyAustralia
| | - Mina Arvin
- Scientific Center for Quality of HealthcareRadboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health SciencesNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Femke Atsma
- Scientific Center for Quality of HealthcareRadboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health SciencesNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Nicholas Bowden
- Dunedin School of MedicineUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Carl Rudolf Blankart
- KPM Center for Public ManagementUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Hamburg Center for Health EconomicsUniversität HamburgHamburgGermany
| | | | | | - Robin Gauld
- Otago Business SchoolUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Philip Haywood
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation (CHERE)University of TechnologySydneyAustralia
| | - Nils Janlov
- The Swedish Agency for Health and Care Services AnalysisStockholmSweden
| | | | - Luca Lorenzoni
- Health DivisionOrganisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD)ParisFrance
| | - Alberto Marino
- Department of Health PolicyLondon School of EconomicsLondonUK
- Health DivisionOrganisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD)ParisFrance
| | - Zeynep Or
- Institute for Research and Documentation in Health Economics (IRDES)ParisFrance
| | - Anne Penneau
- Institute for Research and Documentation in Health Economics (IRDES)ParisFrance
| | - Kosta Shatrov
- KPM Center for Public ManagementUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | | | | | - Kees van Gool
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation (CHERE)University of TechnologySydneyAustralia
| | - Walter Wodchis
- Institute of Health Policy Management & EvaluationUniversity of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Ashish K. Jha
- Brown School of Public HealthProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
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DiStefano MJ, Kang SY, Yehia F, Morales C, Anderson GF. Assessing the Added Therapeutic Benefit of Ultra-Expensive Drugs. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2021; 24:397-403. [PMID: 33641774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2020.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES While the United States does not have a method for assessing the added therapeutic benefit of drugs, France, Canada, and Germany do. We examined the added therapeutic benefit of the most expensive drugs prescribed to Medicare Part D beneficiaries in the United States. METHODS We identified ultra-expensive drugs with annual Medicare spending that exceeded $62 794 (United States GDP per capita in 2018) using Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Spending and Utilization Data. We used added therapeutic benefit ratings assessed by health technology assessment agencies in France, Canada, and Germany. RESULTS We identified 122 ultra-expensive drugs in 2018. Sixty-five percent of these drugs (n = 79) were assessed by at least one of the countries. Based on these assessments, approximately 75% received a low added therapeutic benefit rating. CONCLUSIONS Most ultra-expensive drugs prescribed in the United States and assessed by France, Canada, and Germany provide low added therapeutic benefit. Policy reforms in the United States could use added therapeutic benefit to inform coverage and pricing decisions for ultra-expensive drugs. Similar to Germany, one approach would be to allow the company to set a market price for a limited period of time before requiring a price reduction if the added therapeutic benefit is below a certain threshold. Another approach would be to identify when drug prices are substantially more expensive in the United States and conduct an added therapeutic benefit assessment and price review on these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J DiStefano
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - So-Yeon Kang
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Farah Yehia
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christian Morales
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gerard F Anderson
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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15
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Vanness DJ, Lomas J, Ahn H. A Health Opportunity Cost Threshold for Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in the United States. Ann Intern Med 2021; 174:25-32. [PMID: 33136426 DOI: 10.7326/m20-1392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cost-effectiveness analysis is an important tool for informing treatment coverage and pricing decisions, yet no consensus exists about what threshold for the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in dollars per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained indicates whether treatments are likely to be cost-effective in the United States. OBJECTIVE To estimate a U.S. cost-effectiveness threshold based on health opportunity costs. DESIGN Simulation of short-term mortality and morbidity attributable to persons dropping health insurance due to increased health care expenditures passed though as premium increases. Model inputs came from demographic data and the literature; 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) were constructed. SETTING Population-based. PARTICIPANTS Simulated cohort of 100 000 individuals from the U.S. population with direct-purchase private health insurance. MEASUREMENTS Number of persons dropping insurance coverage, number of additional deaths, and QALYs lost from increased mortality and morbidity, all per increase of $10 000 000 (2019 U.S. dollars) in population treatment cost. RESULTS Per $10 000 000 increase in health care expenditures, 1860 persons (95% UI, 1080 to 2840 persons) were simulated to become uninsured, causing 5 deaths (UI, 3 to 11 deaths), 81 QALYs (UI, 40 to 170 QALYs) lost due to death, and 15 QALYs (UI, 6 to 32 QALYs) lost due to illness; this implies a cost-effectiveness threshold of $104 000 per QALY (UI, $51 000 to $209 000 per QALY) in 2019 U.S. dollars. Given available evidence, there is about 14% probability that the threshold exceeds $150 000 per QALY and about 48% probability that it lies below $100 000 per QALY. LIMITATIONS Estimates were sensitive to inputs, most notably the effects of losing insurance on mortality and of premium increases on becoming uninsured. Health opportunity costs may vary by population. Nonhealth opportunity costs were excluded. CONCLUSION Given current evidence, treatments with ICERs above the range $100 000 to $150 000 per QALY are unlikely to be cost-effective in the United States. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE None.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Vanness
- Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania (D.J.V., H.A.)
| | - James Lomas
- University of York, York, United Kingdom (J.L.)
| | - Hannah Ahn
- Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania (D.J.V., H.A.)
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16
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Darwich AS, Polasek TM, Aronson JK, Ogungbenro K, Wright DFB, Achour B, Reny JL, Daali Y, Eiermann B, Cook J, Lesko L, McLachlan AJ, Rostami-Hodjegan A. Model-Informed Precision Dosing: Background, Requirements, Validation, Implementation, and Forward Trajectory of Individualizing Drug Therapy. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 61:225-245. [PMID: 33035445 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-033020-113257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Model-informed precision dosing (MIPD) has become synonymous with modern approaches for individualizing drug therapy, in which the characteristics of each patient are considered as opposed to applying a one-size-fits-all alternative. This review provides a brief account of the current knowledge, practices, and opinions on MIPD while defining an achievable vision for MIPD in clinical care based on available evidence. We begin with a historical perspective on variability in dose requirements and then discuss technical aspects of MIPD, including the need for clinical decision support tools, practical validation, and implementation of MIPD in health care. We also discuss novel ways to characterize patient variability beyond the common perceptions of genetic control. Finally, we address current debates on MIPD from the perspectives of the new drug development, health economics, and drug regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam S Darwich
- Logistics and Informatics in Health Care, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health (CBH), KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-141 57 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Thomas M Polasek
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia.,Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Certara, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA
| | - Jeffrey K Aronson
- Centre for Evidence Based Medicine, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, United Kingdom
| | - Kayode Ogungbenro
- Centre for Applied Pharmacokinetic Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom;
| | | | - Brahim Achour
- Centre for Applied Pharmacokinetic Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom;
| | - Jean-Luc Reny
- Geneva Platelet Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Youssef Daali
- Geneva Platelet Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Eiermann
- Inera AB, Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions, SE-118 93 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jack Cook
- Drug Safety Research & Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, USA
| | - Lawrence Lesko
- Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, University of Florida, Orlando, Florida 32827, USA
| | - Andrew J McLachlan
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Amin Rostami-Hodjegan
- Certara, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA.,Centre for Applied Pharmacokinetic Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom;
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Prieto-Pinto L, Garzón-Orjuela N, Lasalvia P, Castañeda-Cardona C, Rosselli D. International Experience in Therapeutic Value and Value-Based Pricing: A Rapid Review of the Literature. Value Health Reg Issues 2020; 23:37-48. [PMID: 32688214 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2019.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize at a global level the concept of therapeutic value (TV) and describe the experience of value-based pricing (VBP) policies in 6 reference countries. METHODS We conducted a rapid review of the literature that addressed 2 exploratory research questions. A systematic and exhaustive search was carried out up to July 2018 in MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. RESULTS The concepts of TV and VBP are related; value frameworks for medicines should include social preferences, comparative effectiveness, safety, adoption viability, social impact, high quality of evidence, severity of illness, and innovation. The added therapeutic value (ATV) is the manner of measuring the therapeutic advantages of new medicines compared with existing ones in terms of comparative effectiveness and safety. There are variations in the mechanisms of reimbursement and drug pricing regulation between the countries of study. CONCLUSION In a VBP system it is essential to establish the TV and ATV of a new medicine. Although there are no methodological guidelines for the implementation of VBP policies, the process implies from the beginning the definition of TV categories that will be included in the drug pricing and reimbursement systems. Agreements between the pharmaceutical industry and governments have become a useful tool as a negotiating mechanism in most countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pieralessandro Lasalvia
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, NeuroEconomix, Bogotá, Colombia; Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Diego Rosselli
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, NeuroEconomix, Bogotá, Colombia; Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
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18
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Lauenroth VD, Kesselheim AS, Sarpatwari A, Stern AD. Lessons From The Impact Of Price Regulation On The Pricing Of Anticancer Drugs In Germany. Health Aff (Millwood) 2020; 39:1185-1193. [DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2019.01122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria D. Lauenroth
- Victoria D. Lauenroth was a research associate at the Hamburg Center for Health Economics, in Hamburg, Germany, and a visiting researcher at the Harvard-MIT Center for Regulatory Science, Harvard Medical School, in Boston, Massachusetts, when this work was conducted
| | - Aaron S. Kesselheim
- Aaron S. Kesselheim is a professor of medicine and the director of the Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law in the Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, in Boston
| | - Ameet Sarpatwari
- Ameet Sarpatwari is an assistant professor of medicine and the assistant director of the Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law in the Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School
| | - Ariel D. Stern
- Ariel D. Stern is the Poronui Associate Professor of Business Administration in the Technology and Operations Unit at Harvard Business School and the Harvard-MIT Center for Regulatory Science, both in Boston
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Molitor M, Dintsios CM. Failure due to formal reasons within German benefit assessment of medicinal products: the dilemma between marketing authorization and HTA. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2020; 21:145-157. [DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2020.1729131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Charalabos-Markos Dintsios
- Institute for Health Services Research and Health Economics, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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20
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Löblová O, Trayanov T, Csanádi M, Ozierański P. The Emerging Social Science Literature on Health Technology Assessment: A Narrative Review. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2020; 23:3-9. [PMID: 31952670 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2019.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social scientists have paid increasing attention to health technology assessment (HTA). This paper provides an overview of existing social scientific literature on HTA, with a focus on sociology and political science and their subfields. METHODS Narrative review of key pieces in English. RESULTS Three broad themes recur in the emerging social science literature on HTA: the drivers of the establishment and concrete institutional designs of HTA bodies; the effects of institutionalized HTA on pricing and reimbursement systems and the broader society; and the social and political influences on HTA decisions. CONCLUSION Social scientists bring a focus on institutions and social actors involved in HTA, using primarily small-N research designs and qualitative methods. They provide valuable critical perspectives on HTA, at times challenging its otherwise unquestioned assumptions. However, they often leave aside questions important to the HTA practitioner community, including the role of culture and values. Closer collaboration could be beneficial to tackle new relevant questions pertaining to HTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Löblová
- Department of Sociology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK.
| | - Trayan Trayanov
- Department of Sociology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - Marcell Csanádi
- Doctoral School of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Syreon Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Piotr Ozierański
- Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, England, UK
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21
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Puig L, Carrascosa J, Notario J, Belinchón I. Informes de posicionamiento terapéutico: utilidad y transparencia. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2020; 111:3-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Puig L, Carrascosa J, Notario J, Belinchón I. Treatment Appraisal Reports: Usefulness and Transparency. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adengl.2019.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Dintsios CM, Worm F, Ruof J, Herpers M. Different interpretation of additional evidence for HTA by the commissioned HTA body and the commissioning decision maker in Germany: whenever IQWiG and Federal Joint Committee disagree. HEALTH ECONOMICS REVIEW 2019; 9:35. [PMID: 31848760 PMCID: PMC6918554 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-019-0254-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of commissioned addenda by the Federal Joint Committee (FJC) to the HTA body (IQWiG) and their agreement with FJC decisions and to identify potential additional decisive factors of FJC. METHODS All available relevant documents up to end of 2017 were screened and essential content extracted. Next to descriptive statistics, differences between IQWiG and FJC were tested and explored by agreement statistics (Cohen's kappa and Fleiss' kappa) and ordinal logistic regression. RESULTS Most of the 90 addenda concerned oncological products. In all contingent comparisons, positive changes in added benefit or evidence level on a subpopulation basis (n = 124) prevailed negative ones. Fleiss' ordinal kappa for agreement of assessments, addenda, and appraisals reached a moderate strength for added benefit (0.474, 95%-CI, 0.408-0.540). Overall agreement between addenda and appraisals on a binary nominal basis is poor for added benefit (Cohen's kappa 0.183; 95%-CI: 0.010-0.357) ranging from "less than by chance" (respiratory diseases) to "perfect" (neurological diseases). The OR of the selected regression model showed that i) mortality, ii) unmet need, the positions of iii) the physicians' drug commission and iv) medical societies, and v) the annual therapeutic costs of the appropriate comparative therapy had a high influence on FJC's appraisals deviating from IQWiG's addenda recommendation. CONCLUSIONS IQWiG's addenda have a high impact on decision-maker's appraisals offering additional analyses of supplementary evidence submitted by the manufacturers. Nevertheless, the agreement between addenda and appraisals varies, highlighting different decisive factors between IQWiG and FJC.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. M. Dintsios
- Institute for Health Services Research and Health Economics, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Building: 12.49 Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - F. Worm
- Health Economics, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - J. Ruof
- Medical School of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- r-connect ltd, Basel, Switzerland
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Access to medicines - a systematic review of the literature. Res Social Adm Pharm 2019; 16:1166-1176. [PMID: 31839584 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Budgetary constraints and the rising cost of new innovative medicines are the key challenges for access to medicines. Multiple research studies explored diverse dimensions of this topic, however, a thorough and detailed review of existing literature on access to medicines in United Kingdom is lacking. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review of literature was to critically review and analyse the literature pertaining to original research on access to medicines issue in the United Kingdom. This review includes two types of studies: (a) UK centric studies (b) studies comparing UK with the other countries. METHODS A systematic search of articles published between Jan 2008 and October 12, 2018 was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines using the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and specific journals including BMJ, Lancet, Value in Health, Pharmacoeconomics, Pharmacoeconomics Open, Journal of pharmaceutical policy and practice, Health Policy. RESULTS The searches across all databases and journals resulted in 53 relevant articles. The data extracted from the 53 articles generated key themes. These themes included: Access to Medicines, Health technology assessment (HTA), Pricing and Health technology assessment, Risk Sharing Agreements & Stakeholders involvement/views on reimbursement Process. Subthemes were added under the key themes where applicable. CONCLUSIONS This review systematically evaluated the current literature and identified variability in access to medicines across countries in UK &EU and across different categories of medicines. Medicine licensing and reimbursement environment is continuously evolving and there are challenges as well as opportunities for learning and collaboration among countries which are at different stages of advancement in their systems.
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Paradigms in operation: explaining pharmaceutical benefit assessment outcomes in England and Germany. HEALTH ECONOMICS POLICY AND LAW 2019; 15:370-385. [PMID: 30975237 DOI: 10.1017/s1744133119000203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Health technology assessments (HTAs) are used as a policy tool to appraise the clinical value, or cost effectiveness, of new medicines to inform reimbursement decisions in health care. As HTA organisations have been established in different countries, it has become clear that the outcomes of medicine appraisals can vary from country to country, even though the same scientific evidence in the form of randomised controlled trials is available. The extant literature explains such variations with reference to institutional variables and administrative rules. However, little research has been conducted to advance the theoretical understanding of how variations in HTA outcomes might be explained. This paper compares cases of HTA in England and Germany using insights from Kuhn (1962, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, 2nd edn. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press) and Hall (1993, Policy paradigms, social learning, and the state: the case of economic policymaking in Britain. Comparative Politics 25, 275-296) to demonstrate how policy paradigms can explain the outcomes of HTA processes. The paper finds that HTA outcomes are influenced by a combination of logical issues that require reasoning within a paradigm, and institutional and political issues that speak to the interaction between ideational and interest-based variables. It sets out an approach that advances the theoretical explanation of divergent HTA outcomes, and offers an analytical basis on which to assess current and future policy changes in HTA.
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Timely, consistent, transparent assessment of market access evidence: implementing tools based on the HTA Core Model® in a pharmaceutical company. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2019; 35:10-16. [PMID: 30789111 PMCID: PMC6521787 DOI: 10.1017/s0266462318003653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Evidence requirements and assessment methods access differ between health technology assessment (HTA) agencies. The HTA Core Model® provides a standardized approach to HTA, targeting evidence sharing and collaboration between participating HTA bodies. It is fit for purpose from an industry perspective and was used by pharmaceutical company Roche to develop a framework for internal assessment of evidence required for market access and coverage/reimbursement (“access evidence”). Methods Tools were developed to systematically scope, assess, plan, and summarize access evidence generation. The tools were based mainly on the first four HTA Core Model® domains and rolled-out in selected development teams in 2017. Five months after full implementation, the impact of tools was assessed in an internal survey. Results Systematic access evidence generation started with the Access Evidence Questionnaire, to scope evidence requirements and identify evidence gaps. Findings were summarized in the Access Evidence Metric, which assessed the alignment of available/planned evidence against HTA bodies’ requirements and developed scope mitigation strategies. The Access Evidence Plan was then used to plan and document (additional) evidence generation. Once generated, evidence was summarized in the Access Evidence Dossier. A survey of twenty-seven Roche employees involved in evidence generation showed that the tools made discussions around access strategies and evidence more efficient and transparent. Conclusions The HTA Core Model® provided a useful framework around which to optimize internal evidence generation and assessment. The benefits of using a standardized HTA approach in industry mirror those expected from implementing the HTA Core Model® in HTA agencies.
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Peinemann F, Labeit A. Varying results of early benefit assessment of newly approved pharmaceutical drugs in Germany from 2011 to 2017: A study based on federal joint committee data. J Evid Based Med 2019; 12:9-15. [PMID: 30701688 DOI: 10.1111/jebm.12340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since January 2011, the Federal Joint Committee (FJC) conducts early benefit assessments (EBA) of newly approved pharmaceutical drugs compared to appropriate standard therapies. The FJC commissions the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Healthcare (IQEH) to prepare preliminary reports. We aimed to evaluate the extent, impact, and reason for different judgments on added benefit of both institutions. METHODS We searched EBA data on the FJC website and included completed procedures from 2011 to 2017. We conducted a quantitative analysis of the difference between FJC and IQEH on divergent judgments, a quantitative analysis of the impact of EBA on market withdrawal, and a qualitative analysis to identify potential factors contributing to divergent judgments. RESULTS FJC rated an added benefit in 30% (139 of 457) and IQEH in 22% (101 of 457) matching research questions (P = 0.004). In the aftermath of EBA, 28 pharmaceutical drugs were withdrawn from the German market. We identified three potential factors that might have contributed to the divergent judgments. IQEH used a unique threshold concept to define the rating, FJC conducted additional public hearings, and FJC showed more flexibility with adherence to stringent criteria and interpretation of results. CONCLUSIONS FJC and IQEH differed significantly in their early benefit assessment. In response to negative EBA decisions, pharmaceutical companies withdrew a considerable number of medicines from the German market. The present work uncovers the subjectivity and possible variance inherent in benefit assessment, as the two institutions observe the same rules of procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Peinemann
- FOM University of Applied Science for Economics & Management, Essen, Germany
- Children's Hospital, University Hospital, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander Labeit
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, University of Manchester Institute of Population Health, Manchester, UK
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Schaefer R, Schlander M. Is the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in England more 'innovation-friendly' than the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) in Germany? Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2018; 19:453-462. [PMID: 30556745 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2019.1559732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Our study explores whether, and how, different methodological choices are associated with different health technology assessment (HTA) outcomes. We focus on the Federal Joint Committee (Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss, G-BA) in Germany and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in England. Both agencies may be considered as exemplars for the application of the principles of evidence-based medicine and the logic of cost-effectiveness, respectively. Methods: We extracted data from all publically available G-BA appraisals until April 2015, as well as all NICE single technology appraisals completed during this period. We compared HTA results for matched condition-intervention pairs by G-BA and NICE, and explored other factors including therapeutic area, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Results: NICE issued guidance for 88 technologies (125 subgroups) and recommended 67/88 technologies (99/125 subgroups). G-BA completed 105 appraisals (226 subgroups) and determined additional benefit for 64/105 appraisals (90/226 subgroups). We identified 37 matched pairs; for 24/37 drugs, evaluations diverged. NICE recommended 78% (29/37) of technologies appraised, whereas G-BA confirmed additional benefit for 57% (21/37) only (p < 0.05). Conclusions: NICE evaluates new drugs more favorably than G-BA. However, our analysis suggests differences by therapeutic area. Results indicate that different methods are associated with systematic differences in HTA outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Schaefer
- a Division of Health Economics , German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) , Heidelberg , Germany.,b Mannheim Medical Faculty , University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany.,c Institute for Innovation & Valuation in Health Care (InnoValHC) , Wiesbaden , Germany
| | - Michael Schlander
- a Division of Health Economics , German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) , Heidelberg , Germany.,b Mannheim Medical Faculty , University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany.,c Institute for Innovation & Valuation in Health Care (InnoValHC) , Wiesbaden , Germany
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Diaz M, de Sanjosé S, Bosch FX, Bruni L. Present challenges in cervical cancer prevention: Answers from cost-effectiveness analyses. Rep Pract Oncol Radiother 2018; 23:484-494. [PMID: 30534011 PMCID: PMC6277268 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpor.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simulation models are commonly used to address important health policy issues that cannot be explored through experimental studies. These models are especially useful to determine a set of strategies that result in a good value for money (cost-effectiveness). Several mathematical models simulating the natural history of HPV and related diseases, especially cervical cancer, have been developed to calculate a relative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening interventions. Virtually all cost-effectiveness analyses identify HPV vaccination programmes for preadolescent girls to be cost-effective, even for relatively low vaccination coverage rates. Routine vaccination of preadolescent girls is the primary target population for HPV vaccination as it shows to provide the greatest health impact. Cost-effectiveness analyses assessing other vaccine target groups are less conclusive. Adding additional age-cohorts would accelerate health benefits in some years, although cost-effectiveness becomes less favourable as age at vaccination increases. Including men in HPV vaccination programmes may be a less efficient strategy if done at the expense of female vaccination coverage for reducing the burden of HPV in the population. However, as the HPV vaccine price decreases, the cost-effectiveness of universal vaccination improves, becoming equally as efficient as female-only vaccination. Vaccine price is a decisive factor in the cost-effectiveness analyses. The lower the price, the greater the likelihood that vaccination groups other than the primary target would be considered cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Diaz
- Unit of Infections and Cancer (UNIC-I&I), Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme (CERP), Institut Català d’Oncologia (ICO) – IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia de Sanjosé
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme (CERP), Institut Català d’Oncologia (ICO) – IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERESP, Barcelona, Spain
- Path, Reproductive Health Programme, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - F. Xavier Bosch
- CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme (CERP), Institut Català d’Oncologia (ICO) – IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Bruni
- Unit of Infections and Cancer (UNIC-I&I), Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme (CERP), Institut Català d’Oncologia (ICO) – IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
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IS THE EUNETHTA HTA CORE MODEL® FIT FOR PURPOSE? EVALUATION FROM AN INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2018; 34:458-463. [PMID: 30334508 DOI: 10.1017/s0266462318000594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The HTA Core Model® was developed to improve the transferability of health technology assessment (HTA) between settings. The model has been used by HTA agencies but is also of interest to manufacturers, for improving internal evidence generation and communicating with other HTA stakeholders. To establish if the model is fit for purpose from an industry perspective, the pharmaceutical company Roche, collaborating with the European Network for HTA (EUnetHTA), conducted an assessment of the model. METHODS A questionnaire was developed to evaluate all assessment elements in the HTA Core Model v2.0 for their usefulness in meeting payers' evidence needs and demonstrating value. The questionnaire was completed by country affiliate teams working in evidence generation and reimbursement submissions for pharmaceuticals. Survey results were discussed in workshops to ensure consistency and alignment between teams. RESULTS The questionnaire was completed by six teams. An additional team from global pricing and market access participated in workshops. Model domains pertaining to the health problem and current technology use, technology description, clinical effectiveness, and economic value were considered most important because they meet payers' evidence needs. Overall, the model was considered useful to improve the efficiency of HTA evidence generation, share evidence internally, and communicate value to payers and HTA agencies. CONCLUSIONS From an industry perspective, the HTA Core Model provides a useful framework and common terminology for efficient generation of transferable HTA evidence. The timeliness, efficiency, and transparency of HTA processes could be improved by a more standardized approach to HTA across settings.
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Value assessment of disease-modifying therapies for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: HTA evidence from seven OECD countries. Health Policy 2018; 123:118-129. [PMID: 30227974 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2018.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study systematically compares HTA recommendations on a number of disease-modifying therapies for patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. We analysed publicly available HTA reports for nine medicine-indication pairs across seven OECD countries using a methodological framework enabling systematic analysis of HTA recommendations. The analysis was conducted based on a number of value dimensions, including clinical and economic variables, as well as several other dimensions of value beyond cost-effectiveness. The material was qualitatively and quantitatively coded following the different stages of HTA decision-making process. Fifty-seven medicine-indication pairs were assessed across the study countries. Of those, eight medicine indication-pairs reported diverging HTA recommendations. Although HTA recommendations were based on the same evidence submitted in most cases, significant variations were identified in interpretation and acceptance of evidence resulting in different uncertainties raised and different ways of addressing them. Uncertainties arose both in terms of the clinical and the economic evidence, including the design of key trials or the data quality in economic models. Beyond costs and effects, additional dimensions of value had an impact in the direction of recommendations, however with different magnitude across countries. We show that there is heterogeneity across countries in HTA for evaluating DMTs for RRMS with a lack of standardised methods in evaluating clinical and economic evidence and the use of social value judgments to inform decision-making.
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Tempi di accesso ai farmaci in Italia nel periodo 2015-2017: Analisi delle tempistiche di valutazione dell’Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco. GLOBAL & REGIONAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/2284240318792449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Busse R, van Ginneken E. Cross-country comparative research – Lessons from advancing health system and policy research on the occasion of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies’ 20th anniversary. Health Policy 2018; 122:453-456. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Varnava A, Bracchi R, Samuels K, Hughes DA, Routledge PA. New Medicines in Wales: The All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) Appraisal Process and Outcomes. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2018; 36. [PMID: 29520603 PMCID: PMC5906524 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-018-0632-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) develops prescribing advice and is responsible for appraising new medicines for use in Wales. In this article, we examine the medicines appraisal process in Wales, its timeliness and its impact on medicines availability in Wales, and compare its processes and recommendations with the two other UK health technology appraisal bodies [the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC)]. METHODS We reviewed the medicines appraisals conducted by AWMSG between October 2010 and September 2015. The duration of the process and the recommendations made by AWMSG were compared with those of NICE and SMC. Only publicly available data were considered in this review. RESULTS AWMSG conducted 171 single technology appraisals for 137 medicines during the study period (34 were for medicines previously appraised by AWMSG but these were for new indications). Of these, 152 appraisals were supported for use in NHS Wales (33 with restrictions) and 19 were not supported. Recommendations broadly concurred with SMC and NICE for the majority of appraisals. Compared with NICE recommendations, the median time advantage gained in Wales for those medicines that received a positive AWMSG recommendation and which were subsequently superseded by NICE advice was 10.6 months (range 3.5-48.3 months; n = 17). CONCLUSION This review highlights the work carried out by AWMSG over a 5-year period, and provides evidence to support the effectiveness of the appraisal process in terms of patients in Wales gaining earlier access to medicines and efficiency through reduced duplication with NICE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Varnava
- All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre, Academic Centre, University Hospital Llandough, Penlan Road, Llandough, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, CF64 2XX, UK.
| | - Robert Bracchi
- All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre, Academic Centre, University Hospital Llandough, Penlan Road, Llandough, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, CF64 2XX, UK
| | - Karen Samuels
- All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre, Academic Centre, University Hospital Llandough, Penlan Road, Llandough, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, CF64 2XX, UK
| | - Dyfrig A Hughes
- Bangor University, Ardudwy, Normal Site, Holyhead Road, Bangor, Wales, LL57 2PZ, UK
| | - Philip A Routledge
- All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre, Academic Centre, University Hospital Llandough, Penlan Road, Llandough, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, CF64 2XX, UK
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Skedgel C, Wranik D, Hu M. The Relative Importance of Clinical, Economic, Patient Values and Feasibility Criteria in Cancer Drug Reimbursement in Canada: A Revealed Preferences Analysis of Recommendations of the Pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review 2011-2017. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2018; 36:467-475. [PMID: 29353385 PMCID: PMC5840198 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-018-0610-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most Canadian provinces and territories rely on the pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review (pCODR) to provide recommendations regarding public reimbursement of cancer drugs. The pCODR review process considers four dimensions of value-clinical benefit, economic evaluation, patient-based values and adoption feasibility-but they do not define weights for individual decision criteria or an acceptable threshold for any of the criteria. Given this implicit review process, it is of interest to understand which factors appear to carry the most weight in pCODR recommendations using a revealed preferences approach. METHODS Using publicly available decision summaries (n = 91) describing submissions and resulting recommendations 2011-2017, we extracted ten attributes that characterized each submission. Using logistic regression, we identified statistically significant attributes and estimated their relative impact in final recommendations. RESULTS Clinical aspects appear to carry the greatest weight in the decision to reject or not reject, along with aspects of patient value (treatments with no alternatives were less likely to be rejected). Cost effectiveness does not appear to play a role in the initial decision to reject or not reject but is critical in full versus conditional approvals. There is evidence of a maximum acceptable threshold of around $Can140,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. CONCLUSION A set of factors driving pCODR recommendations is identifiable, supporting the consistency of the review process. However, the implicit nature of the review process and the difficulty of extracting and interpreting some of the attribute levels used in the analysis suggests that the process may still lack full transparency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Skedgel
- Health Economics Group, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
- School of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Dominika Wranik
- School of Public Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Economics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Niehaus I, Dintsios CM. Confirmatory versus explorative endpoint analysis: Decision-making on the basis of evidence available from market authorization and early benefit assessment for oncology drugs. Health Policy 2018; 122:599-606. [PMID: 29605527 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2018.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The early benefit assessment of pharmaceuticals in Germany and their preceding market authorization pursue different objectives. This is reflected by the inclusion of varying confirmatory endpoints within the evaluation of oncology drugs in early benefit assessment versus market authorization, with both relying on the same evidence. Data from assessments up to July 2015 are used to estimate the impact of explorative in comparison to confirmatory endpoints on market authorization and early benefit assessment by contrasting the benefit-risk ratio of EMA and the benefit-harm balance of the HTA jurisdiction. Agreement between market authorization and early benefit assessment is examined by Cohen's kappa (k). 21 of 41 assessments were considered in the analysis. Market authorization is more confirmatory than early benefit assessment because it includes a higher proportion of primary endpoints. The latter implies a primary endpoint to be relevant for the benefit-harm balance in only 67% of cases (0.078). Explorative mortality endpoints reached the highest agreement regarding the mutual consideration for the risk-benefit ratio and the benefit-harm balance (0.000). For explorative morbidity endpoints (-0.600), quality of life (-0.600) and side effects (-0.949) no agreement is ascertainable. To warrant a broader confirmatory basis for decisions supported by HTA, closer inter-institutional cooperation of approval authorities and HTA jurisdictions by means of reliable joint advice for manufacturers regarding endpoint definition would be favorable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Niehaus
- Cologne Institute for Health Economics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Charalabos-Markos Dintsios
- Institute for Health Services Research and Health Economics, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Rawson NS, Adams J. Do reimbursement recommendation processes used by government drug plans in Canada adhere to good governance principles? CLINICOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2017; 9:721-730. [PMID: 29200881 PMCID: PMC5702169 DOI: 10.2147/ceor.s144695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In democratic societies, good governance is the key to assuring the confidence of stakeholders and other citizens in how governments and organizations interact with and relate to them and how decisions are taken. Although defining good governance can be debatable, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) set of principles is commonly used. The reimbursement recommendation processes of the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), which carries out assessments for all public drug plans outside Quebec, are examined in the light of the UNDP governance principles and compared with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence system in England. The adherence of CADTH’s processes to the principles of accountability, transparency, participatory, equity, responsiveness and consensus is poor, especially when compared with the English system, due in part to CADTH’s lack of genuine independence. CADTH’s overriding responsibility is toward the governments that “own,” fund and manage it, while the agency’s status as a not-for-profit corporation under federal law protects it from standard government forms of accountability. The recent integration of CADTH’s reimbursement recommendation processes with the provincial public drug plans’ collective system for price negotiation with pharmaceutical companies reinforces CADTH’s role as a nonindependent partner in the pursuit of governments’ cost-containment objectives, which should not be part of its function. Canadians need a national organization for evaluating drugs for reimbursement in the public interest that fully embraces the principles of good governance – one that is publicly accountable, transparent and fair and includes all stakeholders throughout its processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Sb Rawson
- Eastlake Research Group, Oakville, ON.,Canadian Health Policy Institute, Toronto, ON.,Fraser Institute, Vancouver, BC
| | - John Adams
- Canadian PKU and Allied Disorders Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada
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Assessing the benefit of new pharmaceuticals: Are we talking the same language, can we explain disagreement, and would it be better to do it together? Health Policy 2016; 120:1101-1103. [PMID: 27816088 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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