Norman Ng: Does Hong Kong Need to Establish a “Cancer Drug Formulary”?
Norman Ng, Director, Patient Advocacy and Public Affairs, shared at LinkedIn:
“New directions for cancer drugs: Does Hong Kong need to establish a “Cancer Drug Formulary”?
Good morning, everyone, welcome to “Good Medicine for Hong Kong”. In the blink of an eye, it is August again, and although the results of the HA’s Drug Advisory Committee have not yet been announced, we are still hopeful that new drugs will be approved and included in other indications as soon as possible.
Multiple indications for new cancer drugs
Today’s cancer drugs, especially newer generation drugs, often target more than just a single cancer type. They are designed to be suitable across cancers, so a new drug may cover multiple indications. Such characteristics are a boon for patients and a challenge for drug policy.
The current drug registration system in Hong Kong is still relatively complicated for the treatment of new indications. A more flexible mechanism can be designed to simplify the process and speed up the registration of registered cancer drugs when adding new indications, which will help patients benefit more quickly.
Drug formulary and bargaining space
Once the drug has been registered, it will have the opportunity to be included in the HA’s Drug Formulary and receive subsidies or subsidies. This not only reduces the burden on patients, but also enhances market competitiveness.
From an economic point of view, small profits and quick turnover are a strategy worth referring to. If the indications of the drug increase, the usage will naturally increase, and pharmaceutical companies and HA will be more flexible in negotiating prices. Such a win-win situation deserves in-depth discussion by policymakers.
The need to establish a cancer drug roster
Hong Kong should consider establishing a cancer drug formulary or cancer drug list. This is not only a platform for information integration, but also the key to improving transparency and efficiency.
A new drug may be applicable to a wide range of cancers, and if this information can be systematically organized, patients, doctors and even the HA can understand it at a glance.
Brainstorm and promote reform
Good Medicines for Hong Kong will continue to explore this issue and invite people to brainstorm whether there is a need to establish a cancer drug formulary in Hong Kong. We believe this is a worthwhile change that will lead to faster and more equitable treatment options for patients.
See you next time, and we will continue to follow the direction of the cancer drug formulary.”
Proceed to the video attached to the post.
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