The identification of cost components deriving from direct and indirect consequences of disease is a fundamental step in conducting cost-effectiveness (CE) analysis. In time-constrained efforts to collect CE data to include in a product’s commercial development dossier, little attention is likely to be paid to foundation research. Coupled with other early research components such as expert and/or patient interviews, a prior comprehensive review of the literature can ensure a strong foundation on which robust economic arguments could subsequently be formulated. The objective of this research was to explore and define cost drivers in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and clinical endpoints representing global treatment effectiveness. METHODS: A review of the published literature in PD was conducted, surveying elements including: -contemporary treatment options and costs -clinical markers measuring progression -indirect morbidity and related costs The geographic focus of the research was Germany and the UK. SALIENT FINDINGS: A global indicator of symptoms and complications of PD treatment is the UPDRS; significant events representing complications and co-morbidity include prevalence and severity of motor complications include dyskinesias, depression, dementia, and postural imbalance leading to falls and other accidents. Hospitalisation accounts for 50% to 90% of costs of PD care in Germany and UK, followed by medication costs. The main determinants of hospitalisation rates are disease stage, akinetic type of disease and presence of motor fluctuations in spite of, as well as in relation to therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In collecting economic data for PD treatment, the definitive demonstration of CE must include improved long-term efficacy, safety and reduced rates of direct and indirect resource utilisation, in particular hospitalisation.