OBJECTIVES: US pharmaceutical HUB-services have emerged as key to assisting practitioners and patients overcome a multitude of obstacles; thus, achieving better patient compliance and experience. HUBs prove especially vital for patients on specialty therapies. However, in many Ex-US countries, market nuances do not lend themselves to the concept of HUBs, and companies are uncertain about their benefit. The aim of this study is to determine what aspects of US patient service HUBs can be adapted to increase patient access, education, and compliance in other geographies.

METHODS: Through primary, secondary and qualitative research with key stakeholders and subject matter experts in the US, UK, EU4 and China, we looked at HUB-service offerings and opportunities for internal patient programming. We then rank components of a US HUB adaptable to an Ex-US market.

RESULTS: Our research identified key opportunities and challenges transitioning from US HUB-services to the needs of an Ex-US market. We evaluated various services including e-Enrollment, patient education, care-giver support, adherence programs and HEOR data collection etc. To formulate a successful geography-specific patient support strategy, we outline global biopharmaceutical needs to create a standardized decision-making process. The strategy encompasses stakeholder dynamics including registration agencies, public reimbursement process, local competitors, and emerging players influencing the landscape. Key findings illuminate established and emerging trends impacting US HUB-service, how they can be implemented globally, how they help best serve patients, and may be translated to Ex-US offerings.

CONCLUSIONS: Ex-US geographies have established national coverage and reimbursement policies that appear to obviate the need for HUB-services. However, ongoing change such as China’s governmental emphasis on improving rare disease access, and the recent finding of €125 billion annual European medication non-adherence costs, present new opportunities. As a result, successful implementation of pharmaceutical product strategies that incorporate some aspects of US HUBs, could offer superior product positioning and patient benefit.