Early health economic modeling to inform medical product development and market access

Abstract: Over the last decades, medical technology innovation has substantially improved quality of life and outcomes of patient care. Where many developments have emerged from a predominantly technology-push approach, health authorities are now increasingly concerned with the sustainability of the health system and the consequences of an ageing population. Here, the consumer perspective is gaining interest, both from an industry as well as regulatory perspective.  Industry is becoming more responsive to (unmet) needs of patient groups or consumers, whereas regulatory agencies increasingly take patient preferences into account in benefit-risk assessments and reimbursement decisions.

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) traditionally evaluates the additional benefits and costs, and provides evidence on the cost per quality of life year (QALY) gained. However, in stages close to market access it is very difficult to actually control the diffusion of these medical products or to avoid unnecessary investments in product development in inferiority is to be expected. Research & development decisions may therefore benefit from early assessments, since they offer an opportunity to reduce the financial risk caused by developmental and market uncertainty. 

The primary objective of this presentation is to illustrate how early modeling can help with technology development decisions (i.e. commercial decisions by manufacturers) and decisions regarding market access and implementation. The presentation will discuss some examples of prioritising R&D through multi-criteria decision analysis, stakeholder involvement and early health economic modeling.