Pharmacoeconomic Research and Application In 10 Asian Countries Between 2003 and 2013: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Objectives: To describe and analyze specific aspects of pharmacoeconomic research and application in 10 Asian countries in recent years from 2003 to 2013. Methods: Our study concentrated on 10 Asian countries, including China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Literature was collected and reviewed systematically from United States National Library of Medicine- PubMed. Grey literature was also taken into account. After screening, a total of 268 pharmacoeconomic research articles and 38 pharmacoeconomic application studies were included. This review followed the Cochrane systematic review guidelines and PRISMA flow diagram. Publication was analyzed by regions, economic evaluation techniques used, drug groups analyzed. The status of these pharmacoeconomic studies was identified with options being: for scientific interest, undertaken to support reimbursement issues directly or performed in the framework of clinical guidelines or formularies. Results: There is an increasing in the number of pharmacoeconomic studies in Asian countries in the later period (2008-2013) compared with the first five years considered (2003- 2007). Most pharmacoeconomic studies were carried out in Japan (26%), China (22%), Thailand (15%), Taiwan (12%) and South Korea (10%). Cost-effectiveness analysis and cost-utility analysis were the most popular economic evaluation techniques used in 84% of total studies published. Antiinfectives for systemic use, antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents, nervous system and cardiovascular system drug groups were mostly researched and accounted for 41.79%, 19.78%, 10.45% and 8.21%, respectively. Status of pharmacoeconomics applications varied among countries. Co nclusions: The number of pharmacoeconomic studies in Asia increased from 2008 onwards. The studies were mostly carried out in 5 specific countries (85% total) and concentrated to 4 specific drug groups. Types of pharmacoeconomics applications and research foci differ considerably amongst Asian countries.