Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy (한국임상약학회지)

Korean College Of Clinical Pharmacy (한국임상약학회)
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The Opinion of Experts and Stakeholder on Introduction of Orphan or Anticancer Drugs Funding Program

희귀질환 약제, 항암제 별도 기금 도입에 대한 약제급여 결정 전문가와 이해관계자 시각

  • Kim, Sujin (Department of Research, Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service) ;
  • Jung, Seungyeon (Korea Institute for Pharmaceutical Policy Affairs) ;
  • Kim, Dong-Sook (Department of Research, Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service)
  • 김수진 (건강보험심사평가원 심사평가연구실) ;
  • 정승연 (의약품정책연구소 연구팀) ;
  • 김동숙 (건강보험심사평가원 심사평가연구실)
  • Received : 2020.07.18
  • Accepted : 2020.09.08
  • Published : 2020.09.30
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Abstract

Background & objective: The Korean government has expanded its benefit coverage to enhance patients' access to orphan drugs and cancer medicines. However, the number of new drugs whose indications were not applied to reimbursement in health insurance was increased. This study aimed to understand the perspectives of experts and various stakeholders on the introduction of a new funding program for cancer treatment and orphan drugs. Methods: We conducted email surveys comprising 19 questions, from September 9 to 26, 2016. We distributed questionnaires to members of the Pharmaceutical Benefit Appraisal Committee and Cancer Assessment Committee. We also conducted a qualitative study through group interviews with stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies and some patient groups for diseases. Results: A total of 35 survey respondents recommended the introduction of a funding program for orphan drugs, whereas 66% recommended the launch of funding for anticancer drugs. In addition, most pharmaceutical companies and patient groups recommended the introduction of new funding programs targeting patients with cancer and rare diseases. However, some participants asserted that it would be more appropriate to modify the existing reimbursement scheme than launch new funding. Conclusion: This study concluded that introducing new funding needs a social consensus to relieve financial hardships at the patient level.

Keywords

References

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