OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore payer perception of the unmet needs related to the treatment of Genital Warts (GW) and investigate the perceived key elements required for a new GW treatment to be of interest and significantly improve the therapeutic landscape.

METHODS: A qualitative analysis was conducted from semi-structured interviews with 14 payers from Germany (3), the UK (3), Spain (3), and the USA (5), focused on understanding their perspectives on current and novel therapies for GW. Additionally, secondary resources such as payer decisions, case studies, and professional journals were reviewed.

RESULTS: From a payer perspective, current GW therapies have moderate efficacy in terms of clearance rates and time to clearance. Recurrence remains a challenge, with a rate of 10-15%, according to the interviewees, resulting in increased physician visits and surgical procedures, as well as a significant psychological impact on the patient. Payers and healthcare providers expressed the need for novel GW treatments that address these current unmet needs. The value proposition should focus on providing measurable clinical benefits, such as higher clearance rates, faster time to clearance, and reduced recurrence rates, thereby improving patient outcomes. Improvement in quality of life will be directly related to improvement in clearance.

CONCLUSIONS: To be of interest, a new GW treatment should address the unmet needs by demonstrating superior efficacy in clearing GW and reducing recurrences. Clinical evidence showcasing these outcomes will be crucial in gaining acceptance from payers and healthcare professionals, ensuring the successful adoption of a new GW treatment, and ultimately improving patient outcomes in the management of this prevalent condition.