arrow_back close
News & Events
The EFPIA view
Health Technology... Health Technology Assessment (HTA) comparison report published
close

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) comparison report published

24.06.14

Washington, D.C., Brussels (June 23, 2014) — A new report comparing Health Technology Assessments (HTA) has just been published.  

Commissioned by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) the report updates a previous study conducted in 2011.  

The study and report compiled by consultants Charles River Associates covers a range of countries globally, and adds new markets compared to its 2011 edition, including emerging markets with formal conventional HTA systems in place.  With individual country cards, it compares 16 conventional HTA systems against a set of best practice principles regarding scope and prioritization, methodology, process and impact of HTA.

Whilst the study finds that there have been improvements with respect to transparency as well as timeliness of some processes, concerns remain regarding the lack of clarity on the link between price, reimbursement, market access and HTA assessments.  In particular, HTA, which is still primarily applied to new pharmaceutical products, does not seem to support faster access to innovative treatments.  Analyzing recommendations across different systems, the study underscores how different HTA processes lead to diverging results, and that systems based on cost-effectiveness thresholds seem to lead to an increase in the number of recommendations restricting the use of innovative oncology medicines.

The study’s findings are especially relevant for emerging markets, where operational barriers are still high, as they consider how to use evidence-informed decision making processes to improve patient access to health care.  Information on the budget requirements of existing conventional HTA agencies shows the substantial resources required to maintain institutions that conduct conventional HTA processes, a critical consideration for countries that do not have HTA systems in place.

A wide variation among markets still exists when it comes to formal processes for patient involvement in HTA.  The report’s findings underscore the importance of patient-centered, evidence-informed and holistic approaches to effectively and efficiently increase equitable access to quality healthcare services. 

The study is available here.  

About PhRMA

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies, which are devoted to discovering and developing medicines that enable patients to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. Since 2000, PhRMA member companies have invested more than $550 billion in the search for new treatments and cures, including an estimated $51.1 billion in 2013 alone.

Find PhRMA Online:

Media Contact

Mark Grayson - V.P. Communications and Public Affairs PhRMA

mgrayson@phrma.org 

About EFPIA:

EFPIA represents the pharmaceutical industry operating in Europe. Through its direct membership of 33 national associations and 40 leading pharmaceutical companies, EFPIA provides the voice of 1,900 companies committed to researching, developing and bringing new medicines to improve health and quality of life around the world. The pharmaceutical industry invests more than € 30.6 billion on research and development per year in Europe and directly employs690,000 people including 115,000 in R&D units in Europe.

EFPIA members are committed to delivering innovative medicines to address unmet needs of patients and reducing the burden of chronic diseases for Europe’s ageing population. EFPIA believes in close cooperation with its stakeholders to help create sustainable healthcare systems and to develop prompt responses to health threats in Europe.

Find EFPIA Online

Media Contact

Liam English - Communications Director EFPIA

+32 (0) 492.913.189 

liam.english@efpia.eu

close
continue