OBJECTIVES: In 2025, Joint Clinical Assessment (JCA) and Joint Scientific Consultation (JSC) under the EU Health Technology Assessment Regulation (HTAR) will begin. National implications are yet to be understood. This research intended to gauge the awareness and perceptions of, and preparedness for HTAR in the Irish pharma industry.

METHODS: A survey was designed to explore the knowledge and perceptions of the HTAR. In June 2023, 34 Irish-based industry professionals working across different relevant functions were invited to complete the survey.

RESULTS: A total of 20 responses were received. The majority of respondents (70%) felt that the HTAR would impact their daily work. Half (50%) described themselves as “somewhat familiar” with the topic, only 20% described themselves as being “very familiar”, while 30% reported that they were unfamiliar or “had not considered” it. The majority (60%) expressed uncertainty as to whether the HTAR would have a positive or negative impact on their work. JSC was viewed positively, with the majority agreeing that it would help improve access for Irish patients (70%) and ensure the needs of Irish health technology assessors were considered (60%). Forty percent of respondents feel that the JCA would “rarely” or “never” be used by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) without conducting additional analyses. Overall organisational preparedness was graded as “low” or “very low” at local level by 45% and at global level by 20%.

CONCLUSIONS:: In Ireland, preparedness of the Irish pharma industry for the HTAR appears low, despite acknowledgment of its implications on daily activities. There is a need to better understand how JCA will be included in NCPE assessment and contribute to patient access.