OBJECTIVES: Assess the availability rate (AR) and the time to availability (TA) of oncology branded MCCs in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, England, Scotland, Canada and Australia.

METHODS: Oncology branded MCCs with at least one marketing authorisation (MA) granted from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2023 were identified via IQVIA Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Accelerator. The AR was defined as the rate of oncology branded MCCs available to patients among the oncology branded MCCs for which a MA was granted in the given country. The TA was calculated as the difference between MA and patient access. In Canada, the findings from Quebec were reported separately from the other provinces considering the different HTA bodies.

RESULTS: Eight oncology branded MCCs were identified in each country (or jurisdiction for Canada). These combinations were approved in four oncological indications including two hematological cancers. Different administrative statuses were observed, such as the engagement of one or two pharmaceutical companies in the reimbursement and pricing process as well as the prior MA of the combination constituents in the same patient population. The AR varied from 38% (Australia) to 100% (Germany) with an average of 64%. The TA varied from 1 (Germany) to 791 days (Quebec) with an average of 453 days.

CONCLUSIONS: This research shows significant disparities of availability and time to patient access for oncology branded MCCs across Germany, France, Italy, Spain, England, Scotland, Canada, and Australia. It highlights the need to strengthen collaboration across all stakeholders such as companies, regulators, HTA bodies, payers and patients, to streamline the market access processes for the combinations that address unmet medical needs. Several limitations inherent to the research are to be considered such as the sample size, the time period, and the availability rate not reflecting any restriction of use (e.g., subpopulation, dosing).