Unlocking the Strategic Potential of Real-World Evidence in the Asia – Pacific Pharmaceutical Market: Executive Insights and Commercial Implications
Author(s)
Iain A. Kaan, MBA, DrPH1, Katharina Buesch, MSc2, Dr. Krishna Rajulu, Sr., EdD3.
1Managing Director, Aeolian Logic, Singapore, Singapore, 2KJM Büsch Consulting GmbH, Zug, Switzerland, 3PSB Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
1Managing Director, Aeolian Logic, Singapore, Singapore, 2KJM Büsch Consulting GmbH, Zug, Switzerland, 3PSB Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
OBJECTIVES: The adoption and utilisation of real world evidence (RWE) vary significantly across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This study explores the perspectives of pharmaceutical executives on the strategic importance, challenges, and opportunities of RWE in five APAC countries: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Australia.
The primary objective of this research is to assess how pharmaceutical executives in the APAC region conceive RWE, identify key challenges to its adoption, and explore facilitating factors that could enhance its utilisation.
METHODS: This study employed a qualitative research design, conducting in-depth interviews with executives from major pharmaceutical companies across Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Australia during June - August 2024. A thematic analysis approach was used to identify recurring themes and trends related to the adoption and strategic value of RWE.
RESULTS: The research uncovered substantial variability in how RWE is defined and perceived. Some executives view RWE primarily as a tool for post-marketing surveillance, while others recognise its broader potential across the drug development lifecycle. RWE is seen as strategically important for internal decision-making (e.g., market segmentation, pricing strategies, launch sequencing) and external interactions (e.g., payer and regulatory communications). Key challenges to adoption include technological barriers (access to data / records), organisational resistance (academic and data registries), regulatory variability, and budget constraints (high cost of doing research in APAC). Facilitating factors include enhanced data quality, building local capabilities, and leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and adaptive clinical trials.
CONCLUSIONS: RWE holds transformative potential for the pharmaceutical industry in the APAC region, but its adoption is hindered by several challenges. Addressing these challenges through improved data management, fostering organisational change, and regulatory harmonisation is crucial. This study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the current state of RWE adoption in APAC and offers actionable insights to guide pharmaceutical companies in maximising its strategic value.
The primary objective of this research is to assess how pharmaceutical executives in the APAC region conceive RWE, identify key challenges to its adoption, and explore facilitating factors that could enhance its utilisation.
METHODS: This study employed a qualitative research design, conducting in-depth interviews with executives from major pharmaceutical companies across Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Australia during June - August 2024. A thematic analysis approach was used to identify recurring themes and trends related to the adoption and strategic value of RWE.
RESULTS: The research uncovered substantial variability in how RWE is defined and perceived. Some executives view RWE primarily as a tool for post-marketing surveillance, while others recognise its broader potential across the drug development lifecycle. RWE is seen as strategically important for internal decision-making (e.g., market segmentation, pricing strategies, launch sequencing) and external interactions (e.g., payer and regulatory communications). Key challenges to adoption include technological barriers (access to data / records), organisational resistance (academic and data registries), regulatory variability, and budget constraints (high cost of doing research in APAC). Facilitating factors include enhanced data quality, building local capabilities, and leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and adaptive clinical trials.
CONCLUSIONS: RWE holds transformative potential for the pharmaceutical industry in the APAC region, but its adoption is hindered by several challenges. Addressing these challenges through improved data management, fostering organisational change, and regulatory harmonisation is crucial. This study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the current state of RWE adoption in APAC and offers actionable insights to guide pharmaceutical companies in maximising its strategic value.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-09, ISPOR Real-World Evidence Summit 2025, Tokyo, Japan
Value in Health Regional, Volume 49S (September 2025)
Code
RWD5
Topic Subcategory
Data Protection, Integrity, & Quality Assurance
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas