Use of Economic Evaluation in the Listing and Pricing of Pharmaceuticals

Abstract

To curb a rapid increase in expenditures for pharmaceuticals, the Korean government introduced a positive list system and a negotiation process for drug prices at the end of 2006. Economic evaluation of pharmaceuticals has begun to have a pivotal role in the listing and pricing of drugs for the Korean National Health Insurance. There are some points to discuss regarding the use of economic evaluation in the listing and pricing in the context of the Korean system. First, the listing and pricing processes have been fragmented, evoking complaints from pharmaceutical companies and delaying the access of new drugs to patients. Second, there is a concern that the positive list system may limit the range and availability of drugs for patients to choose for treatment. Third, the time schedule for de-listing of existing drugs may not be realistic. Fourth, it is not always easy to provide reliable evidence of cost-effectiveness due to a lack of materials. Fifth, there is no consensus on the range of the ICER (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio) acceptable to the Korean society. In conclusion, in the near future, it will be necessary to evaluate the achievements that the economic evaluation has provided to the Korean society.