Do We Need to Measure Social Impact of Innovative Drugs?

Author(s)

Malgorzata Budasz Swiderska, PhD1, Michal Seweryn, PhD2, JOANNA AUGUSTYNSKA, MSc3, Karolina Skóra, MPH, MSc3.
1Roche Polska, Warsaw, Poland, 2Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Kraków, Poland, 3EconMed Europe, Kraków, Poland.
OBJECTIVES: The global market for innovative medicines is projected to grow significantly, from USD 254.21 billion in 2025 to USD 427.20 billion by 2032. These technologies not only offer direct health benefits to patients but also contribute positively to the economy, increasing societal productivity. The objective of this study was to assess whether healthcare systems are adequately prepared to measure the economic impact of innovative drugs and whether a standardized methodology exists for evaluating this impact.
METHODS: We reviewed scientific publications, official documents, and HTA guidelines to determine the extent to which healthcare systems are equipped to assess the social impact of innovative health technologies. Our analysis focused on identifying evidence that healthcare systems incorporate a broader perspective that includes the economic impact of medical innovations. Additionally, we evaluated the methodologies used in existing studies that assess the social value of these innovations.
RESULTS: Our analysis of the HTA guidelines revealed that only a few of the examined guidelines address the measurement of social costs or the loss of productivity. Furthermore, we found limited publications and methodological studies that offer concrete approaches for evaluating the societal and economic impact of innovative medicines. Only a small proportion of healthcare systems currently incorporate these considerations into their evaluations.
CONCLUSIONS: Given the demographic challenges faced by developed countries, investing in innovative medical technologies is not solely a health sector issue but also a multi-sectoral challenge that affects national economies. There is an urgent need to develop and standardize research on measuring the social value of medical innovations. Furthermore, it is essential to integrate these findings into the HTA decision-making process to ensure that the full economic and societal impact of innovative drugs is considered in healthcare policy.

Conference/Value in Health Info

2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland

Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2

Code

EE340

Topic

Economic Evaluation, Health Policy & Regulatory, Health Technology Assessment

Topic Subcategory

Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies

Disease

No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas

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