OBJECTIVES: To understand the historical climate through which ten Asian markets arrived at the establishment of an HTA authoritative body, and the extent to which pharmacoeconomic evaluations have evolved in each of these markets. METHODS: Secondary and primary research was conducted in South Korea, Thailand, Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, China and Japan to examine political and economic changes over the last 30 years. The results were compiled and analyzed along with other metrics, such as pricing legislation, health care coverage, and HTA development to determine a correlative pattern for Asian pharmacoeconomic development. RESULTS: While three of the studied markets are exceptions to the trend, we believe the other seven will follow the a discernible course of events. A change in political climate, desire for universal healthcare, financial crisis and strong development of a national formulary are all policy objectives and events along the path toward HTA development. HTA establishment in those seven countries is at various phases of development, but for most of the markets creation of an HTA unit and utilization of it is the next step in their pharmaceutical market evolution. CONCLUSIONS: Developing pharmaceutical markets have become reliant on pharmacoeconomic data to determine the true value of innovative pharmaceutical products. The establishment of an HTA body in these Asian countries will continue to develop and will become an important aspect of their pharmaceutical market expansion, therefore the subject matter warrants further research and attention.