Health Technology Assessment in Japan: A Pharmaceutical Industry Perspective

Background: Japan has been preparing to implement a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) process in 2018. Through a 2-year pilot program implemented in 2016, the government examined the criteria for applicable products and the necessary infrastructure to review both the content and quality of the data...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Therapeutic innovation & regulatory science 2019-07, Vol.53 (4), p.472-480
Main Authors: Kido, Kaori, Matsumaru, Naoki, Tsukamoto, Katsura
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Drug Industry
Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance
Global Perspectives: Original Article
Health technology assessment
Humans
Identification methods
Innovations
Japan
Pharmaceutical industry
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmacotherapy
Pharmacy
Polls & surveys
Pricing
Program Evaluation
Quality of Life
Surveys and Questionnaires
Technology assessment
Technology Assessment, Biomedical
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Summary:Background: Japan has been preparing to implement a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) process in 2018. Through a 2-year pilot program implemented in 2016, the government examined the criteria for applicable products and the necessary infrastructure to review both the content and quality of the data and to conduct cost-effectiveness assessments to be incorporated into the current Japanese reimbursement and pricing scheme. A survey of the pharmaceutical industry was conducted to understand the current landscape and to identify issues and challenges of implementing HTA in Japan. Methods: A semi-structured 19-item questionnaire was designed, and a survey was conducted via face-to-face or phone interviews. Answers were transcribed in English after the interviews and confirmed by e-mail. The survey focuses on pharmaceutical companies that develop new innovative products to be associated with the planned HTA. Results: Differences between Japanese and global pharmaceutical companies were observed in terms of dedicated HTA teams in place, the use of quality of life data, and relationships with external vendors. Addressing a shortage of HTA professionals in Japan is critical to implement HTA. The survey found that list prices compared to those proposed by companies was an issue. Conclusions: Although the government decided to implement HTA for the pricing scheme in 2018, a shortage of experts and researchers remains a challenge. Findings suggest HTA should not be used solely to reduce pharmaceutical spending, as the impact by the HTA implementation will be temporary and discourage innovation.
ISSN:2168-4790
2168-4804
DOI:10.1177/2168479018791136