Objectives
To develop best-practice guidance for health technology assessment (HTA) agencies when appraising diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 and treatments for COVID-19.
Methods
We used a policy sandbox approach to develop best-practice guidance for HTA agencies to approach known challenges associated with assessing tests and treatments for COVID-19. The guidance was developed by a multi-stakeholder workshop of twenty-one participants representing HTA agencies, clinical and patient experts, academia, industry, and a payer, from across Europe and North America. The workshop was supported by extensive background work to identify the key challenges, including: targeted reviews of existing COVID-related methods guidance for assessing interventions and clinical guidelines, engagement with clinical experts, a survey and workshop of HTA agencies, a systematic review of published economic evaluations, and a workshop of health economic modelers.
Results
We suggest HTA agencies should consider using other types of evidence (e.g., real world) where high-quality randomized controlled trials may be lacking and healthcare systems would value timely HTA outputs. A “living” HTA approach may be useful, given the context of an evolving disease, scientific understanding and evidence base, allowing for decisions to be efficiently revisited in response to new information; particularly, if supported by a common “disease model” for COVID-19. Innovative ways of engaging with the public and clinicians, and early engagement with regulators and payers, are recommended.
Conclusions
HTA agencies should consider the elements of this guidance that are most suited to their existing processes to enable them to assess the effectiveness and value of interventions for COVID-19.
Most food‐processing companies in the Western world which have
international operations are considering the prospects for business
development in Central and Eastern Europe, as previously established
markets in the West stagnate or decline. The addition of 300 million
people to the community of countries operating under Western market
economy principles, following the political upheaval in the region in
1989, has been an important factor in this development. Considers the
scope of opportunities in the new Europe; the opening up of new markets;
new, if at present limited, spending power. Discusses market entry
(costs are comparatively low) and further investment; acquisitions and
joint ventures; issues to be addressed by any firm contemplating this
market; and post‐entry issues. Concludes that Central and Eastern Europe
can provide an attractive and enduring route for corporate grant.
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