The Evidence-Price Conundrum: What Is the Way Forward for Patient Access?

This session will discuss policy interventions and solutions to tackle the dual problem of high prices of some medicines and the weak evidence that these products oftentimes come on to the market with. Both elements become even more pertinent for the implementation of the new EU-wide HTA system which will come into effect in 2025. The successful implementation of the EU HTA system will contribute to a rationalization of pharmaceutical expenditure which is essential in the context of limited health budgets and competing national priorities. Speakers will analyze the progress achieved by intergovernmental initiatives of collaboration such as Beneluxa, reflect on points where EU-level action is desirable and feasible, look at the trends in pharmaceutical expenditure and share their insights into how European countries can work together to ensure patients’ timely access to effective, affordable medicines and evidence-based healthcare.