Regulatory demands for cost-benefit studies

American Heart Journal
W J Louis

Abstract

In 1987 to 1988 there was a significant increase in drug costs in Australia. This was largely the result of the introduction of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors into clinical practice. In this article the implications of escalating drug costs are examined. The impact of revolutionary new drugs is considered, and it is questioned whether even a relatively wealthy country, such as Australia, can afford the high costs of these new agents. The Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is discussed, and modification of this into a two-tier system is proposed. A two-tier system could preserve the present list and the essential elements of the current scheme but would introduce a second list of new drugs for which a premium would be charged. Such a system could recoup costs generated by new drugs and also restrict overprescribing but may limit the prescription of new drugs to less well-off persons. The article concludes by considering the total health care budget, taking into account the relative cost-benefit expenditures of hospital care and drug therapy.

References

Feb 25, 1989·BMJ : British Medical Journal·W J Louis
Dec 1, 1989·Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy·W J Louis
Sep 1, 1988·American Heart Journal·R C BeckerJ S Alpert

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Jan 8, 2003·PharmacoEconomics·Silvia M EssThomas D Szucs

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.