Expert review of pharmacoeconomics & outcomes research
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Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res · Jun 2009
Pharmaceutical price differences in the EU: investigation from cardiovascular disease drugs.
Despite the market integration through the Single Market Program and European Monetary Union, and coordination efforts by the European Commission, the pharmaceutical industry in the EU has remained as separate markets in each member nation rather than integrated owing to several distinguished characteristics of the industry and member countries. As a result, there are large price differences across EU member nations. Although there are increasing harmonization efforts by the European Commission, price differences among the five major markets remain high. However, evidence from cardiovascular disease drugs shows that the average price paid for these treatments has been decreasing in recent years for five major pharmaceutical countries.
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Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res · Feb 2009
ReviewRole of health technology assessment in shaping the benefits package in The Netherlands.
In many countries of the Western world, the role of health technology assessment (HTA) in funding decisions of medical technologies is increasing. HTAs are expected to support decision-makers in delineating the collectively funded benefits package. To maximize their potential, it is essential that assessments are valid, reliable and timely, and that it is transparent how information provided in assessments is used in decision-making. ⋯ An important lesson to be learned from the early Dutch experiences with HTA in the area of medical specialist care is that the nature and complexity of health technologies in this area create practical problems regarding the amount and quality of available data needed to make the HTA-based system work. This hampers an unambiguous interpretation of assessment data and thus calls for stronger requirements regarding transparency and stakeholder participation. Future work focusing on the role of HTA in funding decisions is needed to provide insights in best practices for HTA systems in circumstances where a delicate balance needs to be achieved between promoting innovation, supporting effective and timely decision-making and preventing the coverage of technologies that represent a waste of resources.
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Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res · Dec 2008
Recommendations for the prevention and treatment of influenza using antiviral drugs based on cost-effectiveness.
Influenza is an acute respiratory disease that causes epidemics and pandemics in the human population of temperate regions. Influenza epidemics occur every year during the winter months, affecting approximately 10% of the population. The primary strategy for reducing the effect of influenza in the community is to vaccinate persons who are at risk or caring for high-risk individuals each year before seasonal increases in influenza virus circulation occur. ⋯ Based on the cost-effectiveness threshold of pound30,000 or $40,000 per QALY, antiviral therapies can be recommended for influenza treatment and post-exposure prevention in healthy and high-risk individuals and for seasonal prevention in high-risk individuals. Zanamivir, oseltamivir and amantadine have favorable cost-effectiveness ratios for these interventions, but amantadine should only be used in countries with a low prevalence of resistant virus. The stockpile of antiviral drugs should be maintained in developed countries because they are cost effective for the prevention and treatment of a possible influenza pandemic.
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Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res · Aug 2008
Insight into recent reforms and initiatives in Austria: implications for key stakeholders.
Pharmaceutical expenditure continued to rise steadily in Austria during the 1990s and early 2000s despite a variety of reforms. However, recent reforms and initiatives have moderated the growth rate. These initiatives include transparent pricing of new drugs and generics, greater restrictions on the prescribing of new drugs and voluntary price reductions. ⋯ The alternative will be prescribing restrictions. Further reforms will be needed in Austria to meet government growth targets for pharmaceutical expenditure of only 3-4% per annum, while continuing to fund new innovative drugs and increased volumes with greater prevalence of chronic diseases. Possible future measures and their implications for key stakeholder groups will also be discussed.
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Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res · Aug 2007
Spinal cord stimulation for refractory chronic angina pectoris: influence on quality of life.
Percutaneous coronary revascularization, coronary artery bypass graft surgery and medical management are nowadays very effective in treating coronary artery disease. Nevertheless, the number of patients affected by refractory chronic angina pectoris is increasing. ⋯ Spinal cord stimulation is a valuable therapeutic option for patients who have failed multiple percutaneous and surgical revascularizations and who are not eligible for further revascularization procedures. The aim of this study is to assess the benefits, in terms of quality of life, of spinal cord stimulation in no-option patients affected by refractory angina pectoris.