Introduction:
Around the world, the market success of branded drugs is
influenced by changes in healthcare systems and the growing role of payers –
and at this point in time, economic concerns are prompting waves of change, and
payers are increasingly balking at healthcare costs and seeking ways to contain
expenditures. While the major-market healthcare authorities have
cost-consciousness in common, they are deploying various reforms and policies
in different ways in pursuit of that goal. Understanding international trends
and market-specific measures will position biopharma players to operate
optimally in a host of distinct national environments.
Questions Answered in This Report:
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In November 2008, the U.S. presidential elections yielded a
new Democratic administration and Congress.
What are the healthcare goals of
the new administration? What progress has been made thus far? What are the implications
for the biopharmaceutical industry?
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Also in November 2008, the U.K. Department of Health announced
a series of key reforms.
How will drug prices be affected? What are the
newest NICE-related adjustments?
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Use of lower priced generics is a well-established
cost-containment measure.
How great is the presence of generics in each
major market? How are countries prompting increased use of generics? When and
how will generic versions of biologics (biosimilars) affect the sales of
branded pharmaceuticals?
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In a cost-conscious environment, drug prices are under
scrutiny.
What are the key pricing trends in the major markets? How are
prices set and adjusted in each market? What strategies are healthcare
authorities and pharma companies using in their pricing negotiations?Scope:
Major markets: United States, France, Germany, Italy,
Spain, United Kingdom, Japan.
Infrastructure: health system organization, funding
sources, reform trends.
Drug pricing and reimbursement: price-setting policies,
price control measures, prices by major market, prices by drug type, outpatient
drug pricing approaches, hospital drug approaches.
Cost-control measures: biosimilars, dereimbursement,
generics, flexible pricing contracts, formularies, health technology
assessment, importation, incentive programs, multitier formularies, parallel
imports, patient copayment and coinsurance, prescribing budgets, price
controls, prior authorization, quantity limits, reference pricing, step
therapy, therapeutic substitution.
International trends: health technology assessment,
generics and biosimilars, specialty pharmaceuticals, flexible pricing
arrangements, evidence of innovation.