What is next for pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research in Asia?

Pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research have the potential for rapid adoption in the Asia Pacific region. Nevertheless, the region is characterized by great diversity in social and economic development, ethnicity, population size, health-care system, culture, language, and religion. Thus, the rate of adoption is also quite diverse across the region.

Among the countries reviewed in this article, governments take varying levels of interest in applying this research in health policy decisions. For example, some countries have already implemented systems that require pharmacoeconomic studies as one component of a new pharmaceutical product's approval for reimbursement, whereas others recommend such data but do not require it in policy and medical decision making. The literature in the countries reviewed is actually quite robust given the early stages of development of this field in most countries. The academic community has members trained in this field of research in all the countries reviewed and some universities have established departments whereas others have just introduced a few classes in the area.

At the moment, pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research are being conducted mainly by academics. In addition, some pharmaceutical researchers are active and pharmaceutical companies are currently preparing to conduct more of this research as part of their strategy for Asian drug development.

Prospects for future growth and development in this field are quite good in Asia as rapid healthcare inflation, increasing rates of chronic conditions and aging population, and increasing technology diffusion will underpin the need for greater awareness of the need to incorporate economic efficiency into the health-care systems.