The Prescrire Awards for 2008

The 2008 Prescrire Awards for Drugs, Packaging and Information

The Annual Prescrire Awards

A look back at drug developments in 2008

Overview: major trends observed in 2008

In 2008, Prescrire published independent assessments of about 300 products. The following is an overview of the major trends observed in 2008.
The authorities must take action
Healthcare professionals and patients who are interested in high-quality care must maintain the pressure on the healthcare authorities.
Little therapeutic advance

In 2008 we examined 120 new products and indications. Nearly half of new products (n=57) provided no significant advantages over existing options.
Regulatory agencies: too many half-measures

Regulatory agencies rarely resort to truly effective measures, such as market withdrawal, in order to protect patients. They are too often more concerned with protecting companies’ financial interests, and simply withdraw certain indications, modify the summary of product characteristics (SPC) or information concerning risks.
Drug evaluation: agencies must do more to protect patients

The growing tendency for drugs to be marketed prematurely, without adequate assessment, is particularly troubling, but not, apparently, for the drug licensing authorities. The losers are the patients who are exposed to drugs that are no better than existing options and that may be more harmful.
Pharmaceutical quality: vigilance needed

Marketing authorisation offers certain guarantees in terms of pharmaceutical quality, as regulatory agencies inspect the production sites and impose controls during the manufacturing process. In contrast, other product categories such as dietary supplements, medical devices, and cosmetics, are less strictly regulated.
Drug pricing: no relation to therapeutic benefits
In 2008 the prices of new drugs continued to bear little relation to the therapeutic advantage provided to patients.
Advertising: just ban it!

Drug advertising is a classic way of boosting sales and extending off-label use. Banning all drug advertising is the only way of protecting the public from its harmful effects.
Transparency, pharmacovigilance and information: respect the rules protecting patients' interests!

In 2008 the transposition of European Directive 2004/27/EC on drugs for human use into French law was nearly complete. However, it will now be necessary to ensure that these provisions are properly implemented, in patients’ interests, and that any loopholes are not exploited.
A wide gap between healthcare provision and patients’ needs

Much remains to be done to protect patients from needless exposure to potentially harmful drugs, and to facilitate access to care for those who truly need it.