Cost-effectiveness Analysis for Health Policy Making in Japan

抄録

Cost-effectiveness analysis has been used for policy decision-making processes in pharmaceuticals in many countries. In Japan, no pharmacoeconomic data have been requested for reimbursement or pricing decision. However, cost-effectiveness analysis is gradually gaining importance, and a trial implementation of the cost-effectiveness evaluation of drugs and medical devices has begun. Discussions on economic evaluation began in May 2012 within a newly established sub-committee of the Chuikyo, referred to as the "Special Committee on Cost- effectiveness." After four years of discussions, this committee determined that during the trial implementation, the results of the cost-effectiveness evaluation would be used for the re-pricing of drugs and medical devices at the end of fiscal year (FY) 2017. Chuikyo selected 13 products (7 drugs and 6 medical devices) as targets for this evaluation. These products were evaluated until the end of FY 2017 based on the following process: manufacturers submit the data of cost- effectiveness analysis; the National Institute of Public Health coordinates the review process; academic groups perform the review of the submitted data, and the expert committee appraise these data. This represents the first step to introducing cost-effectiveness analysis in the Japanese healthcare system. These efforts will contribute to the efficiency and sustainability of the Japanese healthcare system.