Drug prices seem not to be influenced by their value
(HealthDay)—For commonly prescribed cardiovascular drugs, there is no evidence that drug prices are influenced by their value, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs.
Jonathan D. Campbell, Ph.D., from the University of Colorado in Aurora, and colleagues estimated the range of cost-effectiveness of 30 frequently prescribed cardiovascular drugs to examine whether drug prices are influenced by value. Evidence from randomized controlled trials was extrapolated to determine average lifetime quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and payer-related costs and to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs).
The researchers found that the ICERs varied from cost-saving with increased QALYs to more costly with decreased QALYs across the 30 drugs, suggesting that value does not consistently influence drug pricing.
"Our study contributes to the growing body of evidence that can help inform payers in making more rational and systematic decisions and innovators in determinations of price," the authors write.
Several authors disclosed financial ties to Amgen, which partially funded the study.
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