Back to Search Start Over

Critical analysis of the prescription and evaluation of protein kinase inhibitors for oncology in Germany.

Authors :
Obst, Caecilia S.
Seifert, Roland
Source :
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology; Oct2023, Vol. 396 Issue 10, p2529-2543, 15p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

The prices of oncology drugs have been rising progressively in recent years. Despite accounting for only a small share of prescriptions, oncology drugs are the most expensive drugs on the market. However, the association between drug price and clinical benefit often remains questionable. Therefore, we set out to analyze the development of prescription and benefit assessment of protein kinase inhibitors. We identified 20 protein kinase inhibitors with oncological indications that were newly approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) between 2015 and 2019, based on the Arzneiverordnungsreport (AVR, Drug Prescription Report). For these 20 drugs, the number of prescriptions, sales, defined daily dose (DDD), and DDD costs were identified for the year of approval and for 2020, respectively, based on data from the Wissenschaftliches Institut der Ortskrankenkassen (WIdO, Scientific Institute of the General Local Health Insurance Fund, AOK). Moreover, the additional benefit assessments by the Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (GBA, Federal Joint Committee) were considered for each drug. It is shown that the share of a drug in prescriptions, sales, and DDD does not correlate with the clinical benefit of the drug as measured by the additional benefit assessment by the GBA. Lastly, the advertisement pattern of protein kinase inhibitors in a representative oncology journal does not correlate with drug benefit. In conclusion, the immense costs of oncology drugs are therefore largely caused by drugs for which no additional benefit has been proven by the GBA. In order to ensure the long-term stability of health care systems, price-regulation measures are urgently needed, especially for drugs whose additional benefit has not been proven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00281298
Volume :
396
Issue :
10
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
171898810
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-023-02475-9