Paris, 13 January 2017

In a joint response to the EU Commission Consultation on health technology assessment, Prescrire, the International Socety of Drug Bulletins and the Medicines in Europe Forum argue in favour of transparency, independence and high-quality evidentiary standards.

> Click here to download the joint response to the consultation (pdf, 111 Ko)

Summary

Health technology assessment (HTA) bodies play an important role at the national level as tools to improve the efficiency of health systems.

In order to meet that remit, several criteria need to be met:

• European Union marketing approval needs to be based on high-quality evidentiary standards so that patients, healthcare professionals and HTA bodies are able to make informed therapeutic choices relying on rigourous comparative assessment demonstrating therapeutic added value.
• Transparency is essential: This relates to disclosure of the data used in the assessments as well as on the process, criteria and rationale for evaluation and publication of reports and recommendations. All this information must be available for review by health professionals and the public.
• Independence: HTA bodies should remain independent from the pharmaceutical industry and not be financed by industry fees. They should also be free from political pressure and other vested interests in medicines policy. The public and other stakeholders should be involved in the assessment process while preserving the integrity of the decision-making and avoiding any conflicts of interest.

©Prescrire January 2017

> Click here to download the joint response to the consultation (pdf, 111 Ko)