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HTA Quarterly | Fall 2020

By Xcenda

In this issue, our editors examine market access in South Korea, new treatments for Alzheimer's disease, new pharmaceutical policies in China, and the patient role in ICER value assessments.
North Korean flag with pill

HTA QUARTERLY | FALL 2020

Feature Article: 20 Years After the National Health Insurance Act, HTA Policy Changes Reshape Market Access in South Korea

The healthcare landscape in South Korea has been constantly evolving since major legislation was passed 20 years ago. Recent discussions over post-approval evaluations of therapies, however, have left many organizations concerned about patients’ future ability to obtain access to therapy.
Image of brain and pills

HTA QUARTERLY | FALL 2020

Therapeutic Spotlight: New Evidence Brings Cautious Optimism to Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment

After another promising Alzheimer’s disease treatment seemingly fails, a broader data review brings aducanumab back in the spotlight, setting the stage for a landmark FDA decision with major implications for patients with Alzheimer’s disease, the amyloid-β disease model, and the influence of post hoc analyses on health authorities.
Chinese flag

HTA QUARTERLY | FALL 2020

Market Trends and Updates: New Pharmaceutical Policies Have Dramatically Changed the Landscape in China

China has launched many substantial healthcare reforms in recent years to promote value-based decision making and improve healthcare quality and availability. In this article, learn how reforms like the establishment of a central reimbursement body, national price negotiation, and a pilot access program are impacting market access strategies in the second largest pharmaceutical market in the world.
People forming a person with a bullhorn

HTA QUARTERLY | FALL 2020

Incorporating the Patient Voice in Value Assessments: The Evolution of ICER’s Approach to Patient Engagement

As the use of value assessment frameworks to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of healthcare interventions in the United States continues to grow and evolve, the narrative around how, and to what extent, these frameworks incorporate patient perspectives has attracted considerable attention. While the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review has historically been deficient in this area, the organization has recently taken additional steps to improve its approach to patient engagement.

HTA by the Numbers

$2,340 | $3,120

The price for a typical treatment course of remdesivir for COVID-19 for people covered by government health programs in the United States (US) and other developed countries will be $2,340; the cost will be $3,120 for US patients with private insurance. The announced pricing falls below the cost-effective price range reported by the nonprofit group Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), which reported a cost-effective price range of $4,580 to $5,080. In 127 poor or middle-income countries, Gilead is allowing generic makers to supply the drug, and two countries have announced doing so for around $600 per treatment course.

Heard on the street

The first batches of COVID-19 vaccines should go to “people most at risk of infection,” such as medical staff on the front lines or transport sector workers, not just in all EU countries, but internationally. But “we [countries] shouldn't fight each other. We should make it available community-wise, not country-wise ... I feel strongly about this,” said Guido Rasi, head of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), speaking on the importance of a global, coordinated approach to vaccine deployment.
Syringe and vial