Abstract

This issue of Value in Health contains an article that is likely to spark discussions. An author group, composed of employees from the pharmaceutical manufacturer Novartis and one academian, looked at feasibility and value of an “early dialogue” between said manufacturer and seven health technology assessment (HTA) agencies in five countries about coverage of a new drug entity [1].

Backhouse et al. [1] provide an excellent report from the field on the rationale, the process, and outcomes of such a dialogue in their specific case, a novel treatment option for chronic plaque psoriasis. The example is well chosen because psoriasis is a highly competitive market of unmet needs with first-, second-, and even third-line agents available, some sold at premium prices.