Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: There is a growing interest in using real-world evidence (RWE) for health technology assessment (HTA) in Asia, where local populations are often underrepresented in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). This research aims to provide an overview of the role of RWE in HTA submissions and cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) in Asia.
METHODS: PubMed and the ISPOR Presentations Database were searched for records published since 2014 that reported on the use of RWE in HTA submissions or CEAs in Asia.
RESULTS: RWE is accepted as a source of evidence in HTA submissions in several countries in Asia, although most HTA bodies in the region require justification for its use. Searches identified several CEAs that relied on RWE. RWE was used to inform key components of economic models, including data on long-term costs of treatments, direct medical costs, mortality, morbidities, resource use, treatment discontinuation or persistence, and utilities. In one case, RWE was used for economic modelling in early HTA ahead of the clinical trial to understand the potential value of a novel technology in Singapore. Additionally, RWE has been considered after the initial HTA to reevaluate reimbursement decisions. For example, the National Health Insurance Administration in Taiwan has used RWE to adjust benefit packages to optimize coverage and reimbursement for advanced cancer therapies.
CONCLUSIONS: Use of RWE in HTA is gaining traction in Asia. RWE has been used to inform CEAs at various stages of HTA. Expanding the application of RWE could enhance HTA decision-making, compensating for the paucity of data on populations that are underrepresented in clinical trials.