Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the concept of fair pricing in the pharmaceutical sector, with the aim of identifying key factors and stakeholders in fair pricing, assessing the value and limitations of existing pricing tools, and providing practical insights through a real-world example.
METHODS: The study used a combination of systematic literature review, expert interviews, and a case study on the academic development of a CAR-T cell therapy.
RESULTS: First, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify existing definitions, key stakeholders, and the main factors influencing pricing. The findings show that fair pricing remains an ambiguous concept in peer reviewed literature, with no widely accepted definition. Next, semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts from academia, health economics, and policy. They reflected on the proposed definition, shared their views on existing fair pricing tools such as the AIMs fair pricing calculator and the Cancer Drug Pricing Model, and identified barriers to practical use. Finally, the AIMs calculator was applied to an academic CAR-T cell therapy in development for CD19+ B-ALL. Input data was collected through interviews with a researcher and pharmacoeconomist. The CAR-T cell therapy case study illustrated how a non-commercial setting, with no profit margin and access to existing public infrastructure, can result in significantly lower costs.
CONCLUSIONS: Based on the combined insights from the literature review, expert interviews, and the case study, a workable definition of fair pricing was formulated, emphasizing transparency, affordability, and value. Tools such as the AIMs calculator can provide useful guidance, but their applicability strongly depends on the availability of reliable data, and greater transparency and collaboration from the pharmaceutical industry.