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Alnuhait M, Alshammari A, Alharbi M, AlOtaibi L, Alharbi R, Khobrani A, Alkhudair N, Alshamrani M, Alrajhi AM. Comparative Assessment of Drug Lag for Approved Oncology Targeted Therapies Between Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the European Union. Ther Innov Regul Sci 2024; 58:678-686. [PMID: 38536660 DOI: 10.1007/s43441-024-00642-5] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pharmaceutical regulation on a global scale is a complex process, with regulatory bodies overseeing various aspects, including licensing, registration, manufacturing, marketing, and labeling. Among these, the USFDA plays a crucial role in upholding public health. The pharmaceutical industry contributes significantly to well-being by developing and distributing therapeutic agents. The journey of evaluating new pharmaceuticals involves meticulous examination through several phases, from safety and efficacy assessments to toxicity evaluation. Drug approval involves submitting New Drug Applications (NDAs) to regulatory agencies like the USFDA and EMA. However, disparities in durations contribute to the phenomenon known as "drug lag." This lag refers to delays in a pharmaceutical product's availability in one market compared to another. Addressing this issue is crucial, given its impact on patient access to treatments. METHOD This study aims to analyze the extent of drug lag, focusing on newly approved oncology targeted therapies in Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the European Union. Data for cancer treatments authorized by the USFDA, EMA, and SFDA from January 1, 1997, to December 31, 2022, were collected from regulatory agency websites. The data sources included authorization letters, prescription information, and evaluation documents. We conducted a comparative assessment of drug lag for approved oncology targeted therapies between Saudi Arabia, the US, and the EU. RESULT Our analysis identified 135 newly approved oncology-targeted drugs within the specified timeframe. Of these, 71 received approval in all three regions, while disparities were evident in others. The USFDA consistently had the highest number of approved drugs, with 98.5% of drugs initially approved there. In contrast, Saudi Arabia had the lowest number of approved drugs and a significantly longer median drug lag, indicating substantial delays in drug availability. CONCLUSION This study highlights the significance of mitigating drug lag to enhance global healthcare outcomes and patient access to innovative therapies. Further research and collaborative efforts are essential to bridging these disparities and promoting equitable healthcare worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Alnuhait
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdullah Alshammari
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manar Alharbi
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lina AlOtaibi
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Alharbi
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Attiah Khobrani
- Pharmaceutical Care Services, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nora Alkhudair
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed Alshamrani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care Services, King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M Alrajhi
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, AlFaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Alkhudair N, Howaidi J, Alnuhait M, Alshamrani M, Khan M, Alharbi A, Alnajjar F, Bajnaid E, Almodaheem H, Alhowimel M, Alzahrani A, Khardaly A, Alnahedh M, Elsoudi H, Alabdulkareem H, Alrashidan A, Alzahrani M, Alrajhi A. Revitalizing oncology medications access in Saudi Arabia: Current challenges and recommendations by the Saudi Oncology Pharmacy Assembly. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2024:10781552241232697. [PMID: 38377985 DOI: 10.1177/10781552241232697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer care is posing immense challenges to healthcare systems globally. Advances in screening, monitoring, and treating cancer improved patient outcomes and survival rates yet amplified the disease burden. Multiple barriers might impede early access to innovative therapies. We thoroughly examined the current challenges in oncology medication access in Saudi Arabia and provided consensus recommendations to revitalize the process. METHODS A focus group discussion was conducted. Expert healthcare providers (pharmacists and physicians) were invited to participate based on prespecified criteria. The research team conducted a qualitative analysis of the discussion to identify themes and formulate recommendations. RESULTS Fourteen experts were equally distributed into two groups, limiting the number in each group to 7. Pharmacists were 12 (∼86%), and physicians were 2 (∼14%). Ten were practicing in governmental hospitals, four representing different sectors; regulatory bodies, including Ministry of Health, National Unified Procurement Company, and Saudi Food and Drug Authority. Five themes were identified: national cancer burden, local data availability, pharmacoeconomic evaluation, patients reported outcomes, administration, and procurement. Consensus recommendations were formulated to optimize the formulary management process, enabling informed decision-making and facilitating early medication access for cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS The formulary management process can be enhanced by addressing the national cancer burden, promoting local data availability, conducting pharmacoeconomic evaluations, focusing on patient outcomes, and improving administration and procurement procedures. Implementing these recommendations can improve access to oncology medications and improve patient care outcomes in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Alkhudair
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jude Howaidi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alnuhait
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed Alshamrani
- Pharmaceutical Care Services, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mansour Khan
- Pharmaceutical Care Services, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atika Alharbi
- Pharmaceutical Care Services, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fouad Alnajjar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eshtyag Bajnaid
- Pharmaceutical Care Services Administration, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hajer Almodaheem
- Deputyship of Therapeutic Affairs, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mansour Alhowimel
- Unified Procurement, National Unified Procurement Company, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Alzahrani
- Medical Oncology Department, Comprehensive Cancer Center, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amr Khardaly
- Deputyship of Therapeutic Affairs, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alnahedh
- Pharmaceutical Care Division, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamdi Elsoudi
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Pharmaceutical Care Services Administration, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hana Alabdulkareem
- Drug Policy and Economic Center, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Doctoral School of Applied Informatics and Applied Mathematics, Óbuda University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ahmed Alrashidan
- Corporate pharmaceutical planning, logistic & contracts management, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Musa Alzahrani
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alrajhi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, AlFaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Mirza AH, Alqasomi A, El-Dahiyat F, Babar ZUD. Access to Medicines and Pharmaceutical Policy in Saudi Arabia: A Scoping Review. INTEGRATED PHARMACY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 12:137-155. [PMID: 37484573 PMCID: PMC10356550 DOI: 10.2147/iprp.s410262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This scoping review includes studies on pharmaceutical access, shortages, generics, availability, pharmacoeconomics, and pricing restrictions. The study's findings may aid in developing excellent pharmaceutical and access policies in the country. Objective To conduct a scoping review documenting access to medicines and Pharmaceutical Policy in Saudi Arabia. Methodology The PRISMA-ScR guidelines were used to perform a scoping review. The articles were screened using databases from Google Scholar, EBSCO, Science Direct, and the University of Huddersfield Library. The selection, aims, results, and conclusion of each original research publication published between 2010 and 2022 were evaluated. To categorize the articles, a theme analysis was done. Results This study includes nineteen publications. The chosen articles revealed four themes. Among these topics were: Access to medications 36.84% Pharmacoeconomic 36.84%), which were the predominant theme followed by Generic Medicines 15.80%, and Cancer drug financing 10.54%. There are myriad challenges related to high-cost medicines. Access restrictions to medications have significant effects on patient morbidity and mortality; as a result, policy decision-makers frequently consider this issue. Access to medicines suffers budgetary limitations and the increasing cost of innovative medicines. Access to medicines for all patients could be significantly impacted by delays in patient access to new therapies. Conclusion The available evidence revealed that Saudi Arabia's healthcare system has numerous issues ranging from cancer drug financing, medicine shortages, and access issue. In order to achieve the highest health standards possible, it is crucial that each individual has access to medicines and has the financial, physical, and social means to do so. However, the price of some medications can be prohibitive for people who need to obtain them. The study's outcomes could help the country develop pharmaceutical and access policies related to medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmer Hameed Mirza
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmajeed Alqasomi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
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Hamad A, Elazzazy S, Bujassoum S, Rasul K, Gaziev J, Cherif H, Al-Boloshi Z, Hanssens Y, Saleh A, Rasheed HA, Al-Badriyeh D, Babiker A, Hmaidan AA, Al-Hail M. Applying value-based strategies to accelerate access to novel cancer medications: guidance from the Oncology Health Economics Expert Panel in Qatar (Q-OHEP). BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:15. [PMID: 36609388 PMCID: PMC9816531 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08981-5] [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: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In line with global trends, cancer incidence and mortality may have decreased for specific types of cancer in Qatar. However, the cancer-related burden on patients, healthcare systems, and the economy is expected to expand; thus, cancer remains a significant public healthcare issue in Qatar. Qatar's free access to cancer care represents a considerable economic burden. Ensuring the best utilization of financial resources in the healthcare sector is important to provide unified and fair access to cancer care for all patients. Experts from the Qatar Oncology Health Economics Expert Panel (Q-OHEP) aimed to establish a consistent and robust base for evaluating oncology/hematology medications; involve patients' insights to accelerate access to cutting-edge medications; increase the value of cancer care; and reach a consensus for using cost-effective strategies and efficient methodologies in cancer treatment. METHODS The Q-OHEP convened on 30 November 2021 for a 3-hour meeting to discuss cancer management, therapeutics, and health economics in Qatar, focusing on four domains: (1) regulatory, (2) procurement, (3) treatment, and (4) patients. Discussions, guided by a moderator, focused on a list of suggested open-ended questions. RESULTS Some of the salient recommendations included the development of a formal, fast-track, preliminary approval pathway for drugs needed by patients with severe disease or in critical condition; and encouraging and promoting the conduct of local clinical trials and real-world observational studies using existing registry data. The Q-OHEP also recommended implementing a forecast system using treatment center data based on the supply/demand of formulary oncology drugs to detect treatment patterns, estimate needs, expedite procurement, and prevent shortages/delays. Furthermore, the panel discussed the needs to define value concerning cancer treatment in Qatar, implement value-based models for reimbursement decision-making such as health technology assessment and multiple-criteria decision analysis, and promote patient education and involvement/feedback in developing and implementing cancer management guidelines. CONCLUSION Herein, we summarize the first Q-OHEP consensus recommendations, which aim to provide a solid basis for evaluating, registering, and approving new cancer medications to accelerate patient access to novel cancer treatments in Qatar; promote/facilitate the adoption and collection of patient-reported outcomes; and implement value-based cancer care in Qatar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anas Hamad
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XPharmacy Department, National Center for Cancer Care & Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shereen Elazzazy
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XPharmacy Department, National Center for Cancer Care & Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Salha Bujassoum
- grid.466917.b0000 0004 0637 4417Medical Oncology Department, National Center for Cancer Care & Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kakil Rasul
- grid.466917.b0000 0004 0637 4417Medical Oncology Department, National Center for Cancer Care & Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Javid Gaziev
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XHematology Department, National Center for Cancer Care & Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Honar Cherif
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XHematology Department, National Center for Cancer Care & Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zakiya Al-Boloshi
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XDrug Supply Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Yolande Hanssens
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XPharmacy Executive Office, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ayman Saleh
- grid.467063.00000 0004 0397 4222Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Sidra Medicine, PO Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hadi Abu Rasheed
- Professional Development & Scientific Research Department, Qatar Cancer Society, PO Box 22944, Doha, Qatar
| | - Daoud Al-Badriyeh
- grid.412603.20000 0004 0634 1084College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed Babiker
- grid.498619.bRegistration & Drugs Pricing Section, Pharmacy & Drug Control Department, Ministry of Public Health, PO Box 42, Doha, Qatar
| | - Amid Abu Hmaidan
- grid.498619.bNational Cancer Program, Directorate of Policy, Ministry of Public Health, PO Box 42, Doha, Qatar
| | - Moza Al-Hail
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XPharmacy Executive Office, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
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