HTA: Commission welcomes the adoption of new rules to improve access to innovative technologies

15/12/2021 News Europe , Policy 414 Views
HTA: Commission welcomes the adoption of new rules to improve access to innovative technologies

On December 13, the European Commission adopted the Regulation on Health Technology Assessment (HTA), a deliverable of the EU Pharmaceutical Strategy.

The new rules will allow vital and innovative health technologies – such as innovative medicines, certain medical devices, medical equipment and prevention and treatment methods – to be more widely available. The Regulation will also ensure the efficient use of resources, strengthen the quality of HTA across the EU, and save national HTA bodies and industry from duplicating their efforts, reassure business and ensure the long-term sustainability of EU HTA cooperation.

“With COVID-19, we have seen the importance of producing safe and efficient treatments and medical devices for all Europeans. The new rules will secure inclusiveness and transparency in the assessment process and increase predictability for Member States’ authorities and for the industry. Member States will be able to take more timely and evidence-based decisions on patient access to innovative technologies within their healthcare systems”, said the Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides.

The Regulation will apply from January 2025, but the implementing work starts now, including the setting up of the necessary governance structure and preparatory documents to ensure effective application from this date.  The Commission published a set of questions and answers to detail how the HTA regulation will be implemented and what stakeholders civil society can expect from it.

 

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