Dabigatran - a case history demonstrating the need for comprehensive approaches to optimize the use of new drugs.

View Abstract

BACKGROUND

There are potential conflicts between authorities and companies to fund new premium priced drugs especially where there are safety and/or budget concerns. Dabigatran, a new oral anticoagulant for the prevention of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF), exemplifies this issue. Whilst new effective treatments are needed, there are issues in the elderly with dabigatran due to variable drug concentrations, no known antidote and dependence on renal elimination. Published studies have shown dabigatran to be cost-effective but there are budget concerns given the prevalence of AF. There are also issues with potentially re-designing anticoagulant services. This has resulted in activities across countries to better manage its use.

OBJECTIVE

To (i) review authority activities in over 30 countries and regions, (ii) use the findings to develop new models to better manage the entry of new drugs, and (iii) review the implications for all major stakeholder groups.

METHODOLOGY

Descriptive review and appraisal of activities regarding dabigatran and the development of guidance for groups through an iterative process.

RESULTS

There has been a plethora of activities among authorities to manage the prescribing of dabigatran including extensive pre-launch activities, risk sharing arrangements, prescribing restrictions, and monitoring of prescribing post-launch. Reimbursement has been denied in some countries due to concerns with its budget impact and/or excessive bleeding. Development of a new model and future guidance is proposed to better manage the entry of new drugs, centering on three pillars of pre-, peri-, and post-launch activities.

CONCLUSION

Models for introducing new drugs are essential to optimize their prescribing especially where there are concerns. Without such models, new drugs may be withdrawn prematurely and/or struggle for funding.

Abbreviation
Front Pharmacol
Publication Date
2013-05-14
Volume
4
Page Numbers
39
Pubmed ID
23717279
Medium
Electronic-eCollection
Full Title
Dabigatran - a case history demonstrating the need for comprehensive approaches to optimize the use of new drugs.
Authors
Malmström RE, Godman BB, Diogene E, Baumgärtel C, Bennie M, Bishop I, Brzezinska A, Bucsics A, Campbell S, Ferrario A, Finlayson AE, Fürst J, Garuoliene K, Gomes M, Gutiérrez-Ibarluzea I, Haycox A, Hviding K, Herholz H, Hoffmann M, Jan S, Jones J, Joppi R, Kalaba M, Kvalheim C, Laius O, Langner I, Lonsdale J, Lööv SÄ, Malinowska K, McCullagh L, Paterson K, Markovic-Pekovic V, Martin A, Piessnegger J, Selke G, Sermet C, Simoens S, Tulunay C, Tomek D, Vončina L, Vlahovic-Palcevski V, Wale J, Wilcock M, Wladysiuk M, van Woerkom M, Zara C, Gustafsson LL