CCHE Seminar Series: Multi-Indication Pricing: Exploring the Rationale and Feasibility

Rebecca Hancock-Howard
Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation

Friday November 8, 2019, 10am-12pm, HSB 108 (155 College Street)

Abstract: Almost every jurisdiction, including Canada, is exploring schemes to control drug prices and to realize better value from investments in drug spending. Currently, drug products are assigned a single unit price that is used across indications. Many medicines are effective in multiple indications, with this proportion expected to increase substantially in coming years. A single unit price may not provide good value across clinical indications. A multi-indication pricing strategy would involve setting different prices for each indication. An understanding of the feasibility of this strategy and the challenges it may face in implementation is important for jurisdictions aiming to innovate pricing models. A targeted literature review was conducted to identify research on the feasibility and implementation of multi-indication pricing schemes internationally. The search identified 16 relevant studies; the US and the UK were the most commonly examined jurisdictions. Three domains that were routinely identified as implementation issues were data capabilities, infrastructure costs, and stakeholder transparency. The presentation will explore these and other issues in further detail.

Rebecca Hancock-Howard is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation. Rebecca is passionate about using health economic evidence to inform real world decision-making and policy. Rebecca has extensive experience in both the private and public sectors as a consultant and health economist. Rebecca has conducted economic evaluations in a variety of clinical areas and settings, serving governments, local and global pharmaceutical companies, start-ups, device manufacturers, hospitals, and the academic community. As a senior health economist at the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Rebecca supported policy development for key priorities. Her research interests include health technology assessment and evidence-based policy.