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How Gene Therapies Are Reshaping Patient Outcomes and Payer Expectations

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How Gene Therapies Are Reshaping Patient Outcomes and Payer Expectations

Gene therapies are redefining modern healthcare, offering the potential to address the root causes of genetic disorders through targeted treatment rather than symptom management. For patients, this represents a profound improvement in quality of life, while for payers and pharmaceutical companies, gene therapies introduce new challenges in contract structuring, reimbursement, and financial planning. In this blog, we’ll explore how gene therapies are reshaping patient outcomes, impacting payer expectations, and how Lyfegen’s solutions, such as the Agreements Library and Drug Contracting Simulator, are enabling pharma and payers to navigate this evolving landscape.

A New Horizon for Patient Outcomes with Gene Therapies

Gene therapies bring transformative potential to patient care by addressing the underlying genetic causes of diseases. Unlike traditional therapies that require ongoing treatment, many gene therapies promise long-lasting effects from a single intervention. This shift enables patients to move away from chronic management, experiencing a better quality of life, fewer medical interventions, and improved long-term health.

Why It Matters: For patients with rare genetic conditions, gene therapies offer a new chance at health. However, the high upfront costs and uncertain long-term efficacy make it challenging for payers to determine optimal reimbursement models. Balancing patient access with financial sustainability is crucial as healthcare systems adjust to the realities of high-cost gene therapies.


Payer and Pharma Contracting: Managing Uncertainty with Precision

With the high cost of gene therapies, payers and pharmaceutical companies face increased pressure to implement contracts that account for uncertain outcomes and long-term impact. Traditional pricing models often fall short in accommodating these complexities. Today, payers need new contracting frameworks that incorporate clinical and financial outcomes over extended timeframes, while pharma companies seek efficient ways to communicate the value and manage the financial implications of these therapies.

Shifting Expectations in Payer-Pharma Relations: To mitigate risk, payers and pharma companies are exploring innovative drug contracting models that tie payment to therapeutic outcomes. However, implementing such models requires robust data, effective scenario planning, and tools that support transparent, collaborative processes across stakeholders.

Lyfegen’s Role in Optimizing Drug Contracting for Gene Therapies

To address the complexities of gene therapy contracts, Lyfegen offers tailored tools that support payers and pharma companies through every stage of the contracting process. Our Agreements Library and Drug Contracting Simulator streamline research, analysis, and contract execution, allowing stakeholders to engage in informed, data-driven decision-making.

1. The Lyfegen Agreements Library: As the world’s largest digital repository of drug pricing agreements, the Lyfegen Library gives users access to over 6,000 public agreements and 20 unique pricing models.

Accelerate Effective Contracting: With a comprehensive database covering over 550 drugs and real-world agreements from 33 countries, payers and pharma teams can find, compare, and analyze pricing models that meet specific market and therapeutic needs.

Support Pragmatic Contracting: By exploring data from more than 150 drug manufacturers, users can identify successful contracting models and structures that match the challenges of gene therapies. This ensures informed choices that support sustainable access to innovative treatments.

2. Lyfegen Drug Contracting Simulator: Our simulator enables pharma and payer teams to model various drug pricing scenarios, providing real-time insights to drive negotiations.

Accelerate Negotiations with Real-World Simulations: The simulator allows users to run multiple pricing models, delivering scenario-based insights that reflect real-world financial implications. This helps pharma and payers create compelling business cases and select pricing models that suit both patient needs and budget constraints.

Improve Collaboration Across Teams: With flexible, secure access, the Drug Contracting Simulator enables local and global teams to work collaboratively. Users can save and share simulations, compare scenarios, and make evidence-based decisions quickly.

By equipping stakeholders with essential tools for research and analysis, Lyfegen’s solutions reduce the complexities of payer-pharma contracting, allowing stakeholders to navigate the high stakes of gene therapy reimbursement effectively.

Shaping the Future of Gene Therapy Access with Lyfegen

Gene therapies represent a future of precision medicine and improved patient outcomes. Yet, making this future accessible requires innovative approaches to contracting and reimbursement. By leveraging Lyfegen’s solutions, payers and pharma companies can structure contracts that maximize patient access to these therapies while managing financial risk.

Lyfegen is committed to supporting stakeholders as they navigate the challenges of gene therapies, providing solutions that bring real-world data, evidence-based simulations, and efficient contracting processes to the forefront. With the Lyfegen Agreements Library and Drug Contracting Simulator, payers and pharmaceutical teams have the tools they need to secure the future of gene therapies in a way that’s both financially sustainable and patient-centered.

To explore how Lyfegen’s Agreements Library and Drug Contracting Simulator can support your contracting needs for gene therapies, connect with our team or schedule a demo today.

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The role of value-based care in patient access

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The role of value-based care in patient access

With rising healthcare costs around the world, value-based care (VBC) is a paradigm shift poised to make healthcare more accessible and affordable. It’s a departure from the traditional fee-for-service (FFS) model, which pays providers each time they perform a service. In this type of care model, providers are rewarded for the volume of care they provide, rather than the quality.  

Value-based care shifts the priority of healthcare to patient wellbeing and patient centeredness. Value-based care agreements incentivize healthcare stakeholders to achieve better outcomes, and may even penalize excessive spending or unnecessary procedures.  

There are many approaches to providing and paying for value-based care, and they will be the subject of this article. Let’s take a broad look at what VBC is, its benefits, its challenges, and future directions.  

Why value-based care is needed

Healthcare costs are rising across the globe, and patients are bearing the brunt of it, with out-of-pocket healthcare costs rising faster than costs to insurers. Drugs are also becoming more expensive, and insurers and employers are concerned about high-cost claims. Many insurers are refusing to cover expensive treatments, like cell and gene therapies, or GLP-1 agonists.  

Although the fee-for-service model is still important, value-based care can fill the gaps to bring medicines to patients faster. Using cell and gene therapies as an example, VBC could prevent patients like Forrest VanPatten from dying during the process of jumping from insurer to insurer, hoping to find one that will cover the treatment.  

Alternative payment models (ABMs), a core element in the delivery of VBC, help these therapies get to market faster, by lowering the financial burden of expensive therapies. This could include installment payments, among several types of value-based contracts.  

Although pharmaceutical companies continue to improve patient outcomes by developing more effective medicines, healthcare costs include more than the price of the drugs. The total cost of care must also be managed and requires a close evaluation of how care is delivered to the patient.  

Ultimately, value-based care is a strategy to deliver a better healthcare experience to the patient while utilizing resources more effectively. It is feasible to reward healthcare practitioners for improving patient health, whether it be keeping them out of the hospital, reducing their reliance on medication, or becoming completely disease-free. But there are many challenges in implementing these models, as we’ll discuss.

The types of value-based care

There are many forms of value-based care, and different terms are used interchangeably. Use the glossary table below while reading this article to better understand.  

VBC can involve the following:  

  • Programs that work on delivering care more effectively
  • Payment models that involve sharing risk between the payer and the manufacturer  
  • Population-based payments to provider organizations
  • Patient-centered care: focusing on the needs and wants of the patient
  • Restricting access to medications only for those for whom it would be more effective

There are many ways medicine and care can be delivered to people in ways that support better outcomes. Let’s summarize the models above.  

Effective care delivery

The accountable care organization (ACO) is a group of clinical entities and providers that in synchronization, aim to deliver efficient and cost-effective healthcare to patients. If the efforts are successful, saved costs can be distributed, providing an incentive to avoid unnecessary procedures. A key component of ACOs is that financial responsibility lies on caregivers. ACOs were a central component of the Affordable Care Act in the United States, and generally describe the American healthcare system. However in several European countries, similar models providing integrative care do exist.  

This type of integrated care model may still rely on the fee-for-service model, but aim to reduce the volume of care.  

Risk-sharing agreements

Several value-based drug pricing agreements foster risk-sharing between the manufacturer of the drug and the payer. The following are examples:  

  • Pay-for-performance (P4P)
  • Coverage with evidence development (CED)
  • Outcomes guarantees
  • Installment payments
  • Managed entry agreements

Many of the above terms overlap with each other. What they have in common is that they can address clinical uncertainty—payers may be reluctant to reimburse therapies with limited clinical evidence from the pivotal trial. However, to ensure patient access, risk-sharing agreements are way to allow patients to be treated for a steep discount, while gathering real-world evidence.  

In a pay-for-performance agreement, payers will only have to pay for the treatment if anticipated patient outcomes are achieved. Several hybrid iterations of this type of agreement exist, including milestone payments, where payers receive rebates if disease progresses.  

You can find specific examples of these kinds of agreements in our Agreements Library.  

Population-based payments

Population-based payments facilitate integrative care delivery. They involve payments for either a specific condition, or for the care of an entire patient. However, unlike an ACO, population-based payments are value-based and are not based on the fee-for-service model.  

The Health Care Payment Learning & Action Network (HCP LAN) defines population-based payments as a “single payment that encompasses a broad array of services.” This is also more widely referred to as capitation. Capitation can apply to the care for a specific condition, or the entire continuum of care.  

NHS England defines capitation as “paying a provider or group of providers to cover the majority (or all) of the care provided to a specified population across different care settings. The regular payments are calculated as a lump sum per patient.”

Capitated payments typically involve a per-member-per-month fee. They provide predictable revenue for hospitals and providers while incentivizing them to provide quality care.  

Restricted access

Another way to address clinical uncertainty is to limit who can receive treatment as real-world evidence is being gathered. By refining the eligibility criteria, patients most-likely to benefit from the treatment can receive access.

What are some of the challenges of implementing value-based care?

There are several challenges to implementing value-based care. They include:  

  • Limiting who may receive care
  • Managing revenues
  • Integrating healthcare services  
  • Measuring clinical outcomes

One challenge with VBC is deciding on patient eligibility. Insurers may choose to cover a very select group of patients, denying others who may need treatment coverage, to ensure that they are incentivized accordingly. This leads to another challenge: choosing the right outcomes to measure. In the fee-for-service model, billing is tied to the condition and medication being prescribed, whereas in a value-based contract, financial incentives are tied to outcomes measured by a healthcare provider.

The chosen outcomes must be evidence-based and tracked accordingly. Collecting data, sharing it with various stakeholders, and integrating it into a patient’s care is another challenge. Great structural changes are needed to ensure the compliant sharing of this type of data.  

For manufacturers and hospitals alike, another challenge is to manage revenues. Pharmaceutical companies may be unclear for example on how drug profitability could vary with a performance-based or utilization cap contract. One of our solutions to this largely manual process was to create a drug price simulator. This tool helps manufacturers of health technologies compare and contrast different value-based contracts during the negotiation process.

For hospitals, it’s imperative to correctly track rebates, especially if they are warranted after upfront payments: our rebate management platform helps hospital systems identify up to 30% more rebates.  

Value-based care can balance innovation while lowering healthcare costs, but implementing it involves enhanced coordination of care delivery and significant organizational changes. VBC also involves innovative payment models that share risk with healthcare providers or place the burden of risk on them entirely to incentivize quality care.

Value-based payment models can reduce high upfront costs of expensive therapies while further evidence is gathered to justify the high costs. For providers, VBC may reduce burnout risk by incentivizing them to keep patients healthy.

The integration of value-based care in healthcare systems around the world requires data. At Lyfegen, we help pharma, MedTech, and providers understand the impact of value-based payment models with our innovative software. Let’s make this shift happen together.

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Drug Market Access Strategies in 2024: Key Considerations for Pharma Companies

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Drug Market Access Strategies in 2024: Key Considerations for Pharma Companies

The pharmaceutical industry and its drug market access strategies are continuing to evolve as we move through 2024, driven by mounting pricing pressures, aggressive regulatory shifts, and heightened payer demands. For pharma companies, refining market access strategies is no longer optional—it’s essential to securing rapid market entry and sustained patient access in an increasingly challenging environment. Let’s explore the key considerations for pharma companies within this space.

Evolving Drug Market Access Strategies

Pharmaceutical companies must adapt their drug market access strategies to address a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by policies and regulations across various regions, including the U.S. and Europe. New legislation, such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), introduces more stringent reimbursement criteria, which could impact profitability and influence launch decisions for new drugs. To mitigate these challenges, companies need to prioritize earlier and broader data collection efforts, focusing on generating robust real-world evidence (RWE) and health economic outcomes research (HEOR). This comprehensive evidence base is essential for demonstrating the value of new therapies beyond the scope of traditional clinical trials, ultimately playing a critical role in payer negotiations and securing optimized reimbursement (NIH).

Global market variations also demand a tailored approach to launch strategies. In Europe, new regulations mandate shorter market exclusivity periods unless drugs are launched across all member states within two years, compelling pharma companies to align their launch timelines more closely with diverse national pricing schemes (European Parliament). Meanwhile, in markets like Japan, frequent price revisions are pushing companies to adopt dynamic pricing strategies to stay competitive.

The Role of Healthcare Technology Solutions in Market Access

With the industry pivoting towards value-based care and personalized treatments, healthcare technology solutions are essential in aligning stakeholder needs. Platforms like Lyfegen are pivotal in this shift. By offering a comprehensive Healthcare technology solution for outcome-based contracting, the Lyfegen platform supports the efficient implementation of value-based agreements between pharma companies, payers, and healthcare providers. Using platforms like Lyfegen means that the administration of complex pricing models can be simplified, patient outcomes can be tracked in real-time, and transparency can be increased, all of which are crucial for pharma to gain and maintain market access.

We continue to watch as the pharmaceutical industry is shaped by evolving regulations, mounting pricing pressures, and shifting payer demands. But to ensure market access, pharma companies must act now by building robust data portfolios early, integrating clinical trial data with real-world evidence (RWE), adapting to global pricing pressures, and leveraging digital solutions.

Lyfegen’s platform is at the forefront of helping pharma companies tackle these challenges. With Lyfegen’s Drug Contracting Simulator, you can model dynamic pricing strategies, optimize your market access plans, and streamline value-based agreements. Combined with the Lyfegen Library of real-world evidence and pricing models, you’ll be equipped to make data-driven decisions, ensuring faster patient access and successful contract negotiations.

Act Now – Book a demo of Lyfegen’s platform and discover how we can support your market access strategy: https://www.lyfegen.com/demo

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The Joint Clinical Assessment (JCA): A New Era for Market Access Strategies in the EU

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The Joint Clinical Assessment (JCA): A New Era for Market Access Strategies in the EU

The Joint Clinical Assessment (JCA) is poised to fundamentally change how health technologies gain market access across the European Union. Designed to streamline the evaluation process, the JCA promises to bring greater consistency, transparency, and efficiency to how new therapies and medical technologies are assessed for clinical effectiveness. But what does this mean for your market access strategies?

What is the JCA?

The JCA is a central pillar of the EU’s updated Health Technology Assessment (HTA) regulations. Historically, pharmaceutical and medical device companies faced significant hurdles when introducing new health technologies across different EU member states. Each country has had its own HTA process, leading to duplicated efforts, inconsistent outcomes, and delays in patient access. With the JCA, clinical assessments will be conducted at the EU level, offering a unified approach to evaluating the relative effectiveness of new treatments.

Key Benefits of the JCA

The JCA is expected to address several long-standing challenges:

1. Streamlined market access: By replacing multiple national HTA evaluations with a single EU-level assessment, the JCA will reduce duplication and accelerate the time it takes for new health technologies to reach the market.

2. Consistency across the EU: With the JCA, companies can expect more predictable and transparent outcomes when navigating the regulatory landscape. This will help align market access efforts across all member states, making it easier for companies to plan and execute their market entry strategies.

3. Cost efficiency: By pooling resources and conducting joint clinical assessments, the JCA is expected to save HTA bodies across the EU millions of euros annually. This increased efficiency will also benefit pharmaceutical and medical technology companies by reducing the administrative and financial burden of complying with multiple HTA processes.

How Will the JCA Impact Your Market Access Strategy?

For companies looking to introduce new health technologies in the EU, the JCA will bring both opportunities and new considerations:

Early Engagement Will Be Key: The unified nature of the JCA means that companies will need to engage early with EU-level HTA bodies to ensure that their clinical data meets the requirements of the JCA. This early engagement can help smooth the path to market and avoid potential delays.

A Shift in Regulatory Focus: With clinical assessments now being handled at the EU level, companies may need to adjust their strategies for navigating national market access pathways. While the JCA will simplify the clinical assessment process, national bodies will still be responsible for non-clinical aspects, such as pricing and reimbursement decisions.

Data Consistency and Quality: The JCA emphasizes the importance of high-quality, consistent clinical data. Companies will need to ensure that their submissions are robust and aligned with the JCA’s methodology to avoid discrepancies and delays in the assessment process.

The Role of Technology in Managing Market Access

As market access strategies evolve with the implementation of the JCA, technology platforms like Lyfegen can play a crucial role in helping pharmaceutical and medical technology companies adapt. Lyfegen’s platform simplifies the process of planning, tracking, and managing health technology assessments, ensuring that companies are well-prepared to meet the requirements of the JCA.

By leveraging advanced analytics and real-time data management tools, Lyfegen enables companies to streamline their market access efforts, ensure compliance with EU-level assessments, and maintain transparency throughout the process. With the increasing complexity of market access in the EU, technology will be a critical factor in ensuring success.

Conclusion: Preparing for the Future of Market Access

The JCA is set to transform market access strategies across the EU by creating a more efficient, unified, and predictable pathway for introducing new health technologies. As companies navigate this new landscape, early preparation, high-quality clinical data, and the right technological tools will be essential to staying ahead.

Unlock smarter market access strategies with Lyfegen’s advanced tools! The Lyfegen Drug Contracting Simulator empowers you to navigate the complexities of the JCA, model various pricing scenarios, and optimize your market entry plans. Combined with the Lyfegen Library’s extensive collection of market access models, you’ll have everything you need to succeed in the EU’s evolving regulatory landscape.

Act Now – Book a demo of Lyfegen’s platform and learn how we can support your market access strategy: https://www.lyfegen.com/demo

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The Cost of Innovation: Budget Impact of Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease on Medicaid Plans

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The Cost of Innovation: Budget Impact of Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease on Medicaid Plans

In December 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two groundbreaking gene therapies for sickle cell disease (SCD), offering a new lease on life for individuals battling this severe condition. However, while these therapies bring significant clinical improvements, their cost has emerged as a formidable challenge, particularly for Medicaid, which covers approximately half of the 100,000 individuals in the U.S. with SCD.

The Financial Strain of Sickle Cell Disease on Medicaid

Gene therapy represents a revolutionary treatment for SCD, a condition that has traditionally required ongoing management through therapies like allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT). While HSCT offers a potential cure, its use has been limited due to donor availability and high toxicity. Now, gene therapy provides a much-needed alternative, but the steep price tags—approximately $2.29 million per treatment—pose a significant challenge for Medicaid programs across the country.

The latest budget impact analysis updates previous findings on how these high-cost therapies could impact 10 Medicaid plans with the highest prevalence of SCD. The study reveals that even cost-effective treatments with exceptional clinical benefits may be unaffordable for payers, particularly given the expanding Medicaid enrollment and higher-than-expected launch prices for these therapies.

Short-Term Costs vs. Long-Term Savings

For Medicaid plans, the financial challenge of gene therapy is primarily in the upfront, one-time cost of the treatment. The updated model projects that in the first year alone, gene therapy for SCD will result in an average budget impact of $65.8 million per state program, with a per-member per-month (PMPM) cost of $3.11 across the 10-state sample. Although the cost decreases over time—with the PMPM dropping to $2.08 by year five—the initial budgetary strain is a significant concern.

Despite these costs, the long-term benefits of gene therapy are undeniable. By offering a potentially curative solution, gene therapy could avert future medical expenses associated with SCD, such as hospitalizations, pain management, and ongoing treatments. The model conservatively assumes perfect effectiveness and durability, projecting that the therapy would eliminate all future SCD-related healthcare costs for treated patients. While these assumptions may not reflect real-world outcomes, they provide a glimpse into the potential for long-term savings.

Market Diffusion and Budgetary Impact

A critical factor influencing the budget impact is the market diffusion rate—the speed at which patients adopt the new therapy. The analysis assumes an annual diffusion rate of 7%, meaning that a subset of eligible Medicaid enrollees will receive the therapy each year. This rate could vary, influenced by factors such as manufacturing capacity, delivery center availability, and payer policies. Notably, if the diffusion rate falls below 4%, the PMPM cost could remain below the affordability benchmark set by prior high-cost treatments, such as sofosbuvir for hepatitis C, which generated a PMPM cost of $1.89 in 2024 dollars.

The model also reveals that 35% of Medicaid enrollees with SCD are expected to have a severe phenotype, defined by two or more severe pain episodes annually. This percentage is a key driver of cost, as patients with more severe disease are more likely to be eligible for gene therapy.

State Medicaid Plans Face Varying Impacts

The updated analysis highlights significant variability in how different state Medicaid plans will be affected. For example, in Georgia, where SCD prevalence is higher, the projected PMPM cost is $3.92 in the first year, while Florida faces a slightly lower cost of $2.50 PMPM. These variations reflect differences in both disease prevalence and state enrollment levels.

By the fifth year, the PMPM costs across all state programs are expected to decrease, driven by reduced new therapy adoption and the absence of ongoing SCD-related costs for treated patients. However, the affordability challenge remains a pressing concern, particularly in the early years of gene therapy adoption.

Balancing Access with Affordability

Medicaid plans, payers, and policymakers are now tasked with finding ways to balance the promise of gene therapies with their potential financial burden. The affordability challenge could limit patient access, echoing the struggles faced during the rollout of high-cost hepatitis C treatments.

One potential solution is the development of novel payment models, such as annuity-based approaches, which could spread the cost of gene therapy over several years, easing the immediate budgetary impact. Additionally, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation is exploring alternative payment strategies specifically for gene therapies within Medicaid, aiming to ensure access without jeopardizing the financial sustainability of state programs.

The Role of Technology in Managing Costs

As gene therapies become more prevalent, platforms like Lyfegen can play a key role in helping payers manage the financial complexities associated with these high-cost treatments. Lyfegen’s platform simplifies the process of tracking the economic impact of gene therapies, providing payers and providers with the tools they need to assess real-world outcomes, monitor costs, and adjust strategies accordingly. By leveraging technology, healthcare systems can better navigate the financial risks and ensure that patients continue to benefit from the latest innovations in care.

Unlock smarter budget management strategies with Lyfegen’s powerful tools! The Lyfegen Drug Contracting Simulator helps payers and healthcare providers model the financial impact of high-cost therapies like gene therapy for SCD, optimize payment strategies, and make informed decisions. Coupled with the Lyfegen Library’s extensive database of pricing models, you’ll be equipped to tackle the financial challenges posed by the latest innovations in healthcare.

Act Now – Book a demo of Lyfegen’s platform and discover how we can support your budgeting and contracting needs: https://www.lyfegen.com/demo

References

Meyer, K. B., Kilburg, M. M., Johnson, K. B., & Meyers, M. A. (2024). A budget impact analysis of gene therapy for sickle cell disease: an updated analysis. Blood Advances, 8(17), 4658–4666. https://ashpublications.org/bloodadvances/article/8/17/4658/517069/A-budget-impact-analysis-of-gene-therapy-for-sickle-cell-disease

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The importance of working with Johnson & Johnson: An interview with our Lyfegen CEO & Founder, Girisha Fernando

The news are out: we are immensely proud to be partnering with Johnson & Johnson to advance value-based healthcare and help...

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The importance of working with Johnson & Johnson: An interview with our Lyfegen CEO & Founder, Girisha Fernando

The news are out: we are immensely proud to be partnering with Johnson & Johnson to advance value-based healthcare and help patients around the world. We dived into a conversation with our CEO Girisha Fernando on why this partnership holds so much value for Lyfegen.


Girisha, why was the partnership with Johnson & Johnson such an important milestone for Lyfegen?

Girisha Fernando: Johnson & Johnson and Lyfegen share the same vision of sustainable & a value-based healthcare environment. Our goal is to help patients to receive the healthcare treatments they need and with this partnership, Lyfegen is proud to have been a key enabler for Johnson & Johnson and hospitals to deliver better health outcomes for patients.

How can this partnership be a blueprint for future collaborations?

Girisha Fernando: The increasing demand for healthcare measured against the limited financial resources is forcing the healthcare system to deliver innovative technologies to patients at sustainable costs. This can be done with value-based healthcare approaches and value-based agreements. The partnership between hospitals, Johnson & Johnson and Lyfegen shows how healthcare providers, manufacturers and an innovative tech company can deliver more value to patients whilst making efficient use of limited resources.

What would you suggest healthcare payers and hospitals to do if they are considering to implement value-based healthcare agreements with manufacturers?

Girisha Fernando: I believe it is important to focus on how to deliver better patient outcomes at lower cost. Value-based healthcare agreements can be used as a value-maximising method. It allows payers and hospitals to measure health outcomes and the adjacent cost to achieve these outcomes. Thus, hospitals can pivot on focusing their resources on value-adding healthcare treatments whilst addressing financial risk and uncertainty. It will take initial & minimal investment, but the return on investing in value-based healthcare and technology will be in the form of more value for money and better quality and patient health outcomes.

Why is Lyfegen the right platform for this?

Girisha Fernando: With over 120 value-based healthcare agreements running on the Lyfegen platform, we provide the necessary expertise, knowledge and technical competence to our customers. With these capabilities, we break down the complexity of implementing and managing value-based healthcare agreements. And lastly, we ensure that our customers can improve patient health outcomes by using value-based agreements at scale, efficiently.


Learn more about our platform by booking a demo today:


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The news are out: we are immensely proud to be partnering with Johnson & Johnson to advance value-based healthcare and help...

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The Health and Social Consortium of Catalonia to Develop New Value-Based Purchasing Models Incorporating New Tools for Negotiation with the Pharmaceutical Industry

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The Health and Social Consortium of Catalonia to Develop New Value-Based Purchasing Models Incorporating New Tools for Negotiation with the Pharmaceutical Industry

Barcelona, April 9, 2024
The Consortium of Health and Social Services of Catalonia has begun to work on value-based drug purchasing models by incorporating new tools for information management and negotiation with the pharmaceutical industry. This is an innovative project in collaboration with the health technology brand Lyfegen, which has developed the largest platform for managing public agreements in the world and a drug contracting simulator that allows for better deals by maximizing value in the purchasing process.

The goal of this innovative initiative is to increase the processes of value-based drug procurement, allowing CSC-affiliated health centers to focus on the evaluation of the clinical, economic, and social benefits that the drug can provide in relation to its cost.

For the design of these new procurement models, the "Lyfegen Agreements Library" database and the “Lyfegen Drug Contracting Simulator” were used, and work was done on the automation of administrative tasks and on improving interoperability among hospitals and health administrations. These tools allow the CSC to model various agreements and improve the drug management process in the central contracting office. The Health and Social Consortium of Catalonia thus becomes the first organization in Spain to incorporate these tools.

"From the Consortium, we are convinced that access to innovation and the sustainability of the health system relies on reaching innovative management agreements with pharmaceutical laboratories," says Josep Maria Guiu, director of the Pharmacy and Medication Area of the CSC. "The alliance with Lyfegen gives us a tool to work in this direction and to advance in the establishment of satisfactory agreements that facilitate access to innovation and contribute to the sustainability of the health system."

Girisha Fernando, CEO of Lyfegen, comments that "We are proud to help the Consortium lead access to innovation to improve patient care in Catalonia." "By using our advanced solutions, more than 100 health organizations throughout the region can research, model, and efficiently manage agreements, as well as value-based drug procurement," he adds.

“This allows professionals to really focus on what matters most: patient care.”

The collaboration with Lyfegen reflects the commitment of the Health and Social Consortium of Catalonia to value-based drug procurement and to access to pharmacological innovation, as well as the will to continue working for the implementation of solutions that ensure equity and sustainability of the health system.

The total contracting volume of the CSC, which acts as the purchasing center for the subsidized health sector of Catalonia, was 1.497 billion euros in 2023. Of this amount, 90% corresponded to medicines and 10% to sanitary products.

In recent years, the Consortium of Health and Social Services of Catalonia has incorporated social value aspects into the purchasing processes. For example, it has committed to ensuring that 100% of its drug and sanitary product tenders incorporate environmental clauses by 2024.

About Lyfegen

Lyfegen is an independent provider of rebate management software designed for the healthcare industry. Lyfegen solutions are used by health insurances, governments, hospital payers, and pharmaceutical companies around the globe to dramatically reduce the administrative burden of managing complex drug pricing agreements and to optimize rebates and get better value from those agreements. Lyfegen maintains the world’s largest digital repository of innovative drug pricing models and public agreements and offers access to a robust drug pricing simulator designed to dynamically simulate complex drug pricing scenarios to understand full financial impact. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the company was founded in 2018 and has a market presence in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Learn more at Lyfegen.com.

About CONSORCI

The Consortium of Health and Social of Catalonia (CSC) is a public entity with a local and associative basis, founded in 1983, which has its origin in the municipal movement. The CSC, a reference to the sector and with a clear vocation for service, has as a mission: to promote excellent and sustainable health and social models to improve the quality of life of the people, offering services of high added value to its partners. CSC wants to be the main reference for knowledge and capacity for cooperation, influence and anticipation in the face of the new challenges of the health and social system. All CSC associates are public or private non-profit bodies. For more information, please visit https://www.consorci.org/el-csc/en_index

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Lyfegen erhält 8 Millionen Dollar, um Arzneimittelpreise zu senken und Patienten den Zugang zu lebensrettenden Medikamenten zu erleichtern

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Lyfegen erhält 8 Millionen Dollar, um Arzneimittelpreise zu senken und Patienten den Zugang zu lebensrettenden Medikamenten zu erleichtern

Die Vertragssoftware von Lyfegen wird von Kostenträgern im Gesundheitswesen und führenden Pharmaunternehmen eingesetzt, darunter Novartis, Roche, MSD, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) und Johnson & Johnson.

 

NEW YORK/BASEL, 20. September 2022 /PRNewswire/ – Lyfegen, ein globales Healthtech-SaaS-Unternehmen, das den Übergang von volume-zu value-based Healthcare für hochpreisige Medikamente vorantreibt, gab heute eine überzeichnete Serie-A-Finanzierungsrunde über 8 Millionen Dollar bekannt, die vom Investmentfonds aMoon mit zusätzlicher Beteiligung von APEX Ventures und weiteren Investoren angeführt wurde.

Derzeit sind weniger als 2 % der Krankenversicherten, die Spezialarzneimittel benötigen, für 51 % der Arzneimittelausgaben verantwortlich. Die Kosten für Spezialarzneimittel in den USA laufen aus dem Ruder: Sie stiegen allein von 2020 bis 2021 um 12 % – und es gibt keine Anzeichen für eine Verlangsamung, denn es kommen immer mehr Zell- und Gentherapien auf den Markt. Infolgedessen wird Value-Based Contracting, die Nutzung wertorientierter Verträge, für die Kostenträger des Gesundheitswesens zu der entscheidenden Alternative, um nur für Medikamente zu zahlen, die tatsächlich wirken.

Bis 2025 werden die Nettoausgaben für Medikamente in den USA voraussichtlich bis zu 400 Milliarden US-Dollar betragen. Darüber hinaus kommen regelmässig neue Medikamente auf den Markt. Es fällt Pharmaunternehmen immer schwerer, sich mit den Kostenträgern auf kommerzielle Bedingungen zu einigen. Damit steigt die Gefahr, dass Patienten keinen Zugang zu lebensrettenden Therapien erhalten. Lyfegen hilft Regulierungsbehörden, Pharmaunternehmen und Kostenträgern bei der Einführung wertorientierter Zahlungsmodelle, indem sie den gesamten Prozess der Datenerfassung, Anonymisierung und Vertragsverhandlungen für alle Parteien digitalisiert. So kann die Preisgestaltung und Kostenerstattung für Medikamente vereinfacht werden.

„Wir freuen uns, diese Finanzierungsrunde bekannt zu geben und dieses Vertrauensvotum von aMoon, APEX und weiteren Investoren zu haben, die den Wandel im Gesundheitswesen verstehen und unser Bestreben um den Ausbau der Lyfegen-Plattform unterstützen", sagte Girisha Fernando, CEO und Gründer von Lyfegen. „Wir arbeiten derzeit mit führenden staatlichen Kostenträgern, Krankenversicherungen in Europa, den USA und dem Nahen Osten sowie mit einigen der weltweit grössten Pharmaunternehmen zusammen. Wir beabsichtigen nun, unsere Präsenz in den USA weiter auszubauen und Partnerschaften mit privaten und öffentlichen Krankenversicherungen einzugehen. Die Abkehr von der volumenbasierten Gesundheitsversorgung war noch nie so notwendig wie heute, und wir freuen uns, dass wir eine wichtige Rolle bei der Umstellung auf Value-Based Contracting spielen können."

„Lyfegen adressiert einen bedeutenden Marktbedarf in einer Branche, die sich dramatisch und schnell verändert, und wir sind begeistert, dass wir mit unserer Investition dazu beitragen können, ihre Anstrengungen zu unterstützen", erläuterte Moshic Mor, General Partner bei aMoon und ehemaliger Partner bei Greylock and Greylock Israel. „In Zeiten von Budgetdruck und Rezession im Gesundheitswesen braucht die Welt Lösungen wie die von Lyfegen mehr denn je. Wir sind stolz mit diesem erfahrenen Führungsteam zusammenzuarbeiten, das weiterhin den Zugang zu neuen Medikamenten verbessert, während es die wertorientierte Gesundheitsversorgung immer mehr zum Mainstream macht."

 

Informationen zu Lyfegen

Lyfegen ist ein unabhängiges, globales Softwareanalyseunternehmen, das eine wert- und ergebnisbasierte Vertragsplattform für Krankenversicherungen, Pharma- und Medizintechnikunternehmen sowie Krankenhäuser auf der ganzen Welt bietet. Die sichere Plattform identifiziert und operationalisiert wertbasierte Zahlungsmodelle kostengünstig und macht diese mit einer Vielzahl von realen Daten und maschinellem Lernen skalierbar. Mit der zum Patent angemeldeten Plattform von Lyfegen können Krankenversicherungen und Krankenhäuser eine wertorientierte Gesundheitsversorgung einführen und skalieren und so den Zugang zu Behandlungen, die Gesundheitsergebnisse der Patienten und die Kostenersparnis verbessern.

Lyfegen hat seinen Sitz in den USA und der Schweiz und wurde von Persönlichkeiten mit jahrzehntelanger Erfahrung im Gesundheitswesen, in der Pharmaindustrie und im Technologiebereich gegründet, um den Übergang von der volumenbasierten und kostenpflichtigen Gesundheitsversorgung zur wertorientierten Gesundheitsversorgung zu ermöglichen. Weitere Informationen finden Sie auf www.lyfegen.com.

Verwandte Links:

https://lyfegen.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lyfegenhealth

Pressekontakt: yael@gkpr.com

Ansprechpartner für Investoren: investors@lyfegen.com

Read the Exclusive article with AXIOS

Read the Press Release on PR Newswire

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Lyfegen und die Schweizerische Krankenversicherung EGK-Gesundheitskasse kooperieren bei der Senkung der Preise für teure Medikamente

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Lyfegen und die Schweizerische Krankenversicherung EGK-Gesundheitskasse kooperieren bei der Senkung der Preise für teure Medikamente

EGK nutzt die Lyfegen-Plattform, um komplexe Preismodelle für die On- und Off-Label-Verwendung von mehr als 80 Medikamenten zu verwalten.

 

Basel, Schweiz - 29. November 2022 - Lyfegen, ein globales Healthtech-SaaS-Unternehmen, das den weltweiten Übergang von einer volumen- zu einer wertbasierten (value-based) Gesundheitsversorgung für hochpreisige Arzneimittel vorantreibt, gab heute bekannt, dass die EGK-Gesundheitskasse sich seinem Portfolio von Versicherungspartnern anschliesst, um alle ihre Verträge zur wertbasierten Preisgestaltung für hochpreisige Arzneimittel effizient, sicher und transparent auszuführen.

Die Schweiz, mit den vierthöchsten Arzneimittelausgaben pro Kopf, gab in den ersten neun Monaten des Jahres 2022 8 Milliarden Franken (8,1 Milliarden Euro) für Medikamente aus, die für bestimmte Krankheiten verschrieben wurden. Um die hohen Arzneimittelausgaben zu bekämpfen, hat die Schweiz in den letzten fünf Jahren eine wachsende Zahl von Rabattmodellen für den On- und Off-Label-Einsatz von Medikamenten eingeführt. Die Komplexität der Preismodelle führt jedoch dazu, dass die Versicherer Millionenbeträge für die Überwachung und Beurteilung der Preismodelle ausgeben, was zu entgangenen Rabatten in zwei- bis dreistelliger Millionenhöhe führt.

Mit der Software von Lyfegen kann die EGK mit minimalem Aufwand und maximaler Transparenz Rabatte aus 141 Medikamentenpreismodellen von 32 Herstellern identifizieren und einfordern. Dazu gehören Fälle von seltenen oder chronischen Krankheiten, vielversprechende Therapien, die ausserhalb der zugelassenen Indikation eingesetzt werden können, oder neue Medikamente, die in der Schweiz noch nicht erhältlich oder zugelassen sind. Die Plattform von Lyfegen adressiert die Bedürfnisse der Schweizer Krankenversicherer nach Kosteneffizienz und Digitalisierung. Sie hilft, bestehende Komplexitäten im System zu lösen und wirkt hohen Versicherungsprämien entgegen.

„Wir freuen uns, die EGK zu unterstützen und eine aktive Rolle bei der Bewältigung der zunehmenden Komplexität von Medikamentenpreismodellen zu übernehmen, um den nachhaltigen Zugang zu innovativen Medikamenten und Therapien in der Schweiz zu unterstützen“ sagte Nico Mros, CXO und Mitgründer von Lyfegen. „Indem wir uns darauf konzentrierten, die Implementierung der Plattform so einfach wie möglich zu gestalten und auf die EGK einzugehen, konnten wir schnell Ergebnisse präsentieren und die Zusammenarbeit erfolgreich starten!“

"Mit der Lyfegen-Plattform baut die EGK ihren Fokus auf Nachhaltigkeit und Effizienz zum Wohle ihrer Versicherten weiter aus", sagt Carolina Pirelli, Leiterin Leistungen und stv. Geschäftsleiterin bei der EGK. "Die immer grösser werdende Zahl von Preismodellen für Medikamente stellt die Versicherer vor Herausforderungen in Bezug auf Ressourcen und Prozesse. Mit der automatisierten Verarbeitung von Preismodellen über die Lyfegen-Plattform können wir unsere aktuellen Anforderungen perfekt erfüllen und sehen uns mit der Flexibilität, dem Fokus und dem Verständnis von Lyfegen in guten Händen."

 

Über Lyfegen

Lyfegen ist ein globales SaaS-Analyseunternehmen im Gesundheitsbereich, das eine Plattform für wert- und ergebnisbasierte Verträge für Medikamente, Therapien und Medizingeräte anbietet.

Krankenversicherungen, Pharma- und Medizintechnikunternehmen sowie Spitäler nutzen die sichere Plattform für Tausende von Preismodellen in der Schweiz, Europa, dem Nahen Osten und Nordamerika. Die Lyfegen Plattform unterstützt die Verhandlungen und ermöglicht die automatisierte Ausführung von wertbasierten Preismodellen durch die Analyse von real-world Daten durch intelligente, lernfähige Algorithmen.

Weltweit renommierte Krankenversicherungen, Spitäler, Pharma- und Medizintechnikunternehmen haben die zum Patent angemeldete Plattform von Lyfegen bereits implementiert, um wertbasierte Preismodelle für Medikamente, Therapien und Medizingeräte zu skalieren und damit den Zugang zu Behandlungen sowie Therapieergebnisse für Patienten zu verbessern.

Lyfegen wurde von Personen mit jahrzehntelanger Erfahrung in den Bereichen Gesundheitswesen, Pharma und Technologie gegründet und leistet Pionierarbeit bei der Umstellung von der volumenbasierten und kostenpflichtigen Gesundheitsversorgung auf die wertbasierten Gesundheitsversorgung. Weitere Informationen finden Sie unter www.lyfegen.com.

Über die EGK-Gesundheitskasse

Die EGK-Gesundheitskasse ist ein KMU-Krankenversicherer mit Sitz in Laufen (BL). Die EGK-Gruppe umfasst die EGK Grundversicherungen AG (Grundversicherung nach KVG), die EGK Privatversicherungen AG (Zusatzversicherung nach VVG) sowie die EGK Services AG (Verwaltung). Sie versichert schweizweit rund 100'000 Personen in der Grundversicherung, 80% von diesen verfügen auch über eine EGK-Zusatzversicherung.

Natürlichkeit und Nachhaltigkeit gehören zur Werthaltung der EGK. Sie gilt als Pionierin beim uneingeschränkten Zugang zu exzellenter Komplementärmedizin. Sie lanciert und unterstützt in der ganzen Schweiz Aktivitäten zur natürlichen Stärkung der Gesundheit.

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A message from our CEO as Lyfegen Raises $8 Million to Drive Down Drug Costs and Help Patients Access Life-Saving Medications

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A message from our CEO as Lyfegen Raises $8 Million to Drive Down Drug Costs and Help Patients Access Life-Saving Medications

 

In light of today’s anticipated press release and exclusive article with AXIOS, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our investors, customers, and team for sharing our vision to transform the healthcare system, helping patients to receive the healthcare treatments they need. The closing of our oversubscribed series A, led by aMoon Fund with additional participation from APEX Ventures and others, marks an important milestone.

Skyrocketing drug prices–especially for high-cost specialty drugs like cell and gene therapies–are accelerating the demand for value-based drug pricing. The move away from volume-based healthcare has never been more needed, and we are happy to play an important role in the shift to a value-based future.

With the $8 million in funding, we will expand our presence in Europe and the U.S. to increase drug affordability for more customers and, more importantly, more patients.

Together, we save lives.

 

Read the official Press Release

Read the Exclusive article with AXIOS



[caption id="attachment_3253" align="aligncenter" width="200"]

Girisha Fernando
CEO & Founder[/caption]

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Transforming Healthcare Access in Canada: Ina Hasani’s Vision at Lyfegen

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Transforming Healthcare Access in Canada: Ina Hasani’s Vision at Lyfegen

We are thrilled to welcome Ina Hasani to our team at Lyfegen as Director of Sales & Business Development for Canada. Ina brings nearly a decade of experience in the life sciences sector, specializing in healthcare strategy, market access, and health economics. We sat down with Ina to learn more about her background, her vision for transforming healthcare in Canada, and what excites her most about joining Lyfegen.


Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to your role as Director, Sales &Business Development for Canada at Lyfegen?

I have spent close to  a decade in the life sciences sector, working with companies like Novartis  and Pfizer, where I gained deep expertise in healthcare strategy, market  access, and health economics. My passion has always been focused on improving  patient outcomes and the healthcare system. This led me to Lyfegen, a company  at the forefront of transforming healthcare through innovative solutions. The  opportunity to work with payers and drug manufacturers to ensure better and  sustainable access to innovative treatments for patients was a natural fit  for me, both professionally and personally.


What are the biggest challenges facing the healthcare market in Canada, particularly in terms of drug pricing and access?

The Canadian healthcare system is highly complex! The biggest challenge that we are facing is how to accelerate access to innovative therapies without compromising the sustainability of the healthcare system. Payors, including both public and private insurers, are struggling to balance their budgets with the rising costs of therapies, particularly for specialty drugs. Outcome based agreements are a potential solution to enable timely access to breakthrough therapies.  However, payors and pharmaceuticals don’t have the infrastructure in place to efficiently implement and operationalize such agreements.


What  opportunities do you see for growth in Lyfegen’s sales efforts in Canada? How  can we better support health insurers and government bodies?

There is tremendous  potential for growth. Currently, payors and pharmaceuticals adjudicate their  product listing agreements (PLAs) manually through Excel spreadsheets. It is  resource intensive, leaves room for errors and is a barrier to potential  innovative contracting. In addition, as Canada increasingly looks towards  value-based healthcare models, Lyfegen is an enabler by providing the digital  infrastructure for payor and manufacturers.


From your perspective, what key actions need to be taken in the  next 12 months to drive success for Lyfegen in the Canadian market?

In the next 12 months, we need to focus on deepening  our relationships with key stakeholders and demonstrate the value of our  digital solutions for payors, manufacturers, healthcare system and,  ultimately, the patients.


How do you see your role influencing the implementation of  value-based solutions in Canada, and what impact do you hope to have?

Lyfegen has extensive  experience in OBA implementation and operationalization in many countries. In  my role, I hope to bridge the gap from theory to practice in the  implementation of value-based healthcare in Canada.


In your opinion, what’s the most important aspect of building  strong client relationships in the healthcare industry? How do you approach  this in your role?

Trust and communication  are at the core of any strong client relationship in healthcare. Given the  complexity and sensitivity of the industry, clients need to know that you  understand their unique challenges and are committed to solving them. In my  role, I prioritize open and ongoing communication, ensuring that clients feel  heard and that their feedback is integrated into our solutions. I also work  hard to build trust by delivering results and being transparent about what we  can achieve together.

 
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of sales  and business development at Lyfegen in Canada?

I’m excited about the potential to be a catalyst for  significant change in the Canadian healthcare landscape. Lyfegen is in a  unique position to lead this transformation. The combination of increasing  demand for cost-effective healthcare solutions and our innovative approach  makes this an incredibly exciting time to be in sales and business  development.


Outside of work, what are some of your favorite things to do in  your free time?

Outside of work, I  enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends. I also prioritize my  health by being active on a daily basis. I also enjoy learning. Now that I  have completed my MBA, I’m on a mission to learn Spanish.

We are excited to see Ina grow and thrive in her role at Lyfegen. Welcome to the team, Ina!

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A Fable of the Blue Bird and Lyfegen's Wise Owls

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A Fable of the Blue Bird and Lyfegen's Wise Owls

Once upon a time, In a whimsical forest, there lived a smart and creative blue bird. This bird, known for its brilliance in the world of tiny forest biotech, had concocted a magical potion.

This potion was a wonder, a gene therapy to cure the forest creatures of a troublesome disease called sickle cell. Perched thoughtfully on a branch, the blue bird faced a whimsical yet vital challenge. The potion, potent in its healing, needed to be more than just a marvel of science – it had to be reachable and affordable for all in the forest. Additionally, this magical creation was still unnamed, a name that should echo its life-affirming qualities and the journey from a mere idea to a beacon of hope in the forest.

Amidst this puzzlement, the blue bird heard tales of the wise owls of Lyfegen, far beyond the forest. These owls were not just wise; they were masters of a different kind of magic – the magic of numbers and agreements that made health solutions reachable to all. Intrigued, the blue bird fluttered over to learn more.

As it learned about Lyfegen's remarkable ability to navigate the complex world of potion pricing and access, inspiration struck. "Ah-ha!" chirped blue bird, "If Lyfegen can make health solutions accessible, why not name my potion in honor of their work? Lyfgenia – a name that sings of life, hope, and the ingenuity of Lyfegen!"

And so, the potion was christened Lyfgenia, a nod to the owls of Lyfegen whose wisdom ensured that such medical marvels reached every nook and cranny of the forest without burdening its inhabitants.

With its new name, Lyfgenia became more than just a potion; it symbolized a harmonious blend of medical genius and financial savvy. The blue bird turned Lyfgenia into a symbol of hope and healing in the whimsical world of the forest.

Disclaimer: "A Fable of the Blue Bird and Lyfegen's Wise Owls" is a work of fiction, created solely for entertainment and illustrative purposes. This fable does not represent any real-life strategies, decisions, or actions of these entities, nor should it be interpreted as an endorsement or representation of their values, capabilities, or business practices.

Using Lyfegen's solutions can streamline the financial management of advanced therapies like Lyfgenia, leading to more effective pricing strategies and improved access for patients. Learn more about how our solutions enable value-based contracting for gene therapies: lyfegen.com

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Driving Growth: Welcoming Our New VP of Sales & Business Development, Simon Farrow

Amid the buzz of innovation at Lyfegen, we sat down with Simon, our newest team member, whose journey has brought a fresh...

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Driving Growth: Welcoming Our New VP of Sales & Business Development, Simon Farrow

Amid the buzz of innovation at Lyfegen, we sat down with Simon, our newest team member, whose journey has brought a fresh perspective to our mission.

 

Quick introduction – tell us a bit about yourself!

I'm based out of the UK. I studied Law at University but soon realized that a career as a Solicitor wasn’t my calling. Post-university, I ventured into Software Sales, initially focusing on Cloud Solutions and then transitioning into the Life Sciences realm. Most of my career has been dedicated to building startups and introducing new ideas and products to the market.

 

What excites you about your job?

What really thrills me about joining Lyfegen is the potential impact I can have on those needing life-saving treatments. The core goal of the pharma industry is to enhance the health and wellbeing of society, and at Lyfegen, we're crafting solutions that make medications more accessible, allowing us to treat more people. It's also incredibly rewarding to collaborate with some of the world's leading pharma companies, supporting them as they launch new assets.

 

Why did you decide to join Lyfegen?

It was the founders' vision that drew me to Lyfegen. Their passion was evident right from our initial conversations. Joining Lyfegen is an incredible opportunity for me to contribute my experience to another startup, and together, we can continue to thrive on this exciting journey.

 

What is something you want to learn or improve in the next 12 months?

Over the next year, I aim to deepen my understanding of the market access space within the pharma industry. Launching assets is intricate, with many layers involved, and there's a wealth of knowledge I'm eager to absorb. It's fascinating to learn about the different approaches of various companies and how they navigate the market.

 

How will your know-how help improve our customers’ experience of Lyfegen solutions?

With my background in launching new solutions for startups, I'm well-acquainted with the challenges that can arise. We can be proactive in addressing these before they occur. As Lyfegen is growing rapidly, it’s crucial that we adapt while maintaining our high standards and always remembering that our customers are our biggest priority. My experience with Global enterprises has also given me insight into the ongoing support they need and the importance of fostering great relationships based on trust and understanding.

 

Let’s get personal: What are your favorite things to do in your free time?

In my free time, I love to travel as much as I can, exploring different cultures and places, with my next plans to delve into more of Asia. When I'm in the UK, I spend time with my German Shepherd, Max, or playing water polo.

 

Is there anything else you are looking forward to outside of work in the next few months?

As we near the end of Q4, it's a busy period, but I'm looking forward to a well-deserved break over Christmas with friends and family, indulging in good food. It's the perfect time to recharge and gear up for a significant 2024 for Lyfegen, where we'll continue to serve our customers, engage with new ones, and grow as a company.

 

Our conversation with Simon ends on a high note, filled with anticipation for the contributions he will bring to Lyfegen. In the words of Girisha Fernando, our CEO, "we are very excited about Simon joining us. His experience is a valuable addition to our team, and we are confident he'll make a significant contribution to our mission. It's a pleasure to welcome him to Lyfegen." 

 

Here’s to new beginnings and transformative journeys! 

Welcome to our crew, Simon.

Amid the buzz of innovation at Lyfegen, we sat down with Simon, our newest team member, whose journey has brought a fresh...

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Exclusive interview with Girisha Fernando at the launch of Lyfegen’s Value-Based Agreement Library

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Exclusive interview with Girisha Fernando at the launch of Lyfegen’s Value-Based Agreement Library

At this years World Evidence, Pricing and Access event, Girisha Fernando, the CEO of Lyfegen, expressed excitement as he spoke about the company’s latest launched offering - the Lyfegen Model & Agreement Library. This unique learning resource is a true game-changer that builds upon the company’s existing product. It expands our horizons by allowing payers and market access & pricing professionals to explore over 2’500 real-life public agreements, and 18 drug pricing models from around the world. The library provides an unparalleled understanding of drug reimbursement models that help users make better informed choices like never before.


Selecting a drug reimbursement model is very complex, as manufacturers want quick market access, while payers may have many concerns, such as a drug’s efficacy and affordability. Fernando emphasized that the library bridges the gap by assisting payers and market access professionals in finding specific models that address each stakeholder’s concerns, and key real-life agreement examples, resulting in better-informed decision-making, and ultimately more efficient reimbursement processes.


“Because of rising healthcare costs and the increase of medical innovations, the thirst for knowledge and need for value-based healthcare capabilities has surged among healthcare payers and pharma companies across the world”, said Fernando, “That is why we are excited about launching the world’s largest database of real-world value-based agreements. It gives payers and pharma a unique insight into how to structure value-based agreements.”


But that’s not all – Fernando explained that the database is constantly evolving, being updated weekly with new public agreements, allowing stakeholders to be up to date on public agreements.


Overall, it is clear that the Lyfegen Model & Agreement Library is an invaluable groundbreaking tool, that is becoming indispensable in increasing the knowledge on drug and Cell & Gene Therapy reimbursement.

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The Tech Team Keeps Growing! Welcome to the Lyfegen Team, Analytical-Superstar, Pavlo!

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The Tech Team Keeps Growing! Welcome to the Lyfegen Team, Analytical-Superstar, Pavlo!

He’s analytical, a techie and has a fantastic gift for music! Yes, we are talking about the latest addition to our team, our very own “Technical Business Analyst” and Ukrainian superstar: Pavlo Lupandin!



Just last month we announced the arrival of our Lead Developer, Daniel, and now more great news follows as Lyfegen continues to lay focus on the technical team: we have our very own Technical Business Analyst, Pavlo!

“Pavlo’s sharpness and problem-solving skills just made it clear that we needed him in our team! His drive and commitment will bring great value to our patients, our customers and Lyfegen as we continue to sharpen our platform” says Lyfegen’s CEO, Girisha Fernando.

We are proud to have him as part of the team and sat down with him to give you a little more insight behind the musical talent and witty “Technical Business Analyst”:

Hi Pavlo! Tell us a little about yourself: where are you from and what is your work experience background?

Hello! I was born in the east of Ukraine, got the Master’s Degree in Economics in Kyiv, worked at one of the Big 4 companies for 3 years as an Auditor, following one year in the role of Business Analyst. After this experience, I found myself being a fresh ACCA Member, who wanted to dive into something not that accounting related. Business analysis has proven to be an interesting area where I can develop further capitalizing on my previous experience.

It’s interesting, that back in my audit days I’ve had some big healthcare-related projects. Who knew that it was only the beginning of working in this promising domain…

This is your first experience in the Health Tech industry – what triggered this move?

Pace of development. The Healthcare & IT industries are developing in overwhelming waves, and to ride the peak of those waves is a challenge – formidable, but a tempting one. As soon as this opportunity presented itself, I decided to chase it. We’ll see, where this decision will bring me in a couple of years.

You are joining Lyfegen as Technical Business Analyst. In simple terms: what will you be working on?

I would be occupied mainly with gathering, documenting and communicating the requirements of our customers. Ever heard of different communication barriers? Those I would try to eliminate, trying to grasp the very core of what has to be done for the maximum customer satisfaction and making sure the development team implements requirements as close as possible to the ideal.

What are your next personal goals with Lyfegen?

There are several of them. First, I strive for development as a professional, and I think Lyfegen will provide me with opportunities to do that. Second, I want to embrace that spirit of a high-growth startup – after working for a massive and complex company, the flexibility and freedom of Lyfegen is a breath of fresh air. And finally, I want to know new talented people. I already know, that the Lyfegen team has a great diversity, and I can’t wait to learn some interesting things from people of other countries and cultures.

What motivated you to join?

Purpose and value. As simple as that. I can see the purpose and value of what I’m doing. Obviously, we are at the beginning of this journey, and it’s a bit early to speak about “value-based pricing for everybody” or “pay only for what is really working” but…the concept is huge, and it will become the question of life and death for some patients. And I’ll do my best to make it as close to life as possible.

Enough about work! What passions do you have outside of Lyfegen?

Oh, you don’t want to hear a full list, I assure you. Let me try to sum it up quickly…Music, videogames and tabletop games – I play them all. A small collection of musical instruments – some of them are quite exotic, especially for my home country (banjo and djembe, for example). A bigger collection of tabletop games in different genres – the Lyfegen team can definitely expect a session or two in the nearest future. And a vast collection of videogames on different platforms…without much details let’s just agree there are a lot.

There are some other hobbies of mine, but I’d prefer to keep a couple of surprises up my sleeve!



We are proud to have the Lyfegen team continue to grow with such fantastic team-members!

 

MEET THE LYFEGEN TEAM

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Principales Fabricantes y Pagadores en Brasil

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Principales Fabricantes y Pagadores en Brasil


En Brasil, encontramos que los principales fabricantes que proponen contratos basados en el valor fueron Novartis, Pfizer, J&J Innovative Medicine y Roche. Entre los pagadores, identificamos 21 aseguradoras privadas entre 2021 y 2024. También agregamos a ANVISA (Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria de Brasil) y la Comisión Nacional de Incorporación de Tecnologías en el Sistema Único de Salud (CONITEC), el organismo de evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias (ETS) de Brasil.

Áreas Terapéuticas

Las áreas terapéuticas que identificamos en los acuerdos públicos de Brasil incluyen:

  • Enfermedades infecciosas
  • Oncología
  • Enfermedades metabólicas
  • Cardiovascular
  • Hematología

Modelos de Precios

Nuevos modelos de precios de Brasil incluyen:

  • Cobertura restringida
  • Descuento fijo
  • Cobertura con desarrollo de evidencia
  • Garantía de resultados
  • Límite de presupuesto

Acuerdos Destacados

Estos acuerdos se destacan porque abordan enfermedades raras y de alto costo, y demuestran enfoques únicos para el acceso a medicamentos y reembolsos, incluyendo cobertura con desarrollo de evidencia, garantías de resultados y pagos a plazos.

Fibrosis Quística:

  1. Orkambi (2024): CED, Cobertura restringida, Pagos a plazos
  1. Trikafta (2023): CED, Garantía de resultados, Cobertura restringida
  1. Kalydeco (2020): CED, Cobertura restringida


Atrofia Muscular Espinal Infantil:

  1. Zolgensma (2022): Garantía de resultados, CED, Pagos a plazos

Cáncer de Ovario:

  1. Lynparza (2022): Cobertura restringida, CED (con aseguradoras privadas)

Principales Fabricantes:

  • Novartis
  • Varios fabricantes (para genéricos)
  • Pfizer
  • J&J Innovative Medicine
  • Roche

Entendiendo el Proceso de ETS para la Aprobación de Medicamentos en Brasil

En Brasil, el proceso de Evaluación de Tecnologías Sanitarias (ETS) es gestionado por ANVISA y la Comisión Nacional de Incorporación de Tecnologías en el Sistema Único de Salud (CONITEC). El proceso incluye varios pasos:

  1. Aplicación: Las compañías solicitan que sus medicamentos sean evaluados.
  1. Evaluación: ANVISA y CONITEC evalúan los medicamentos.
  1. Negociación y fijación de precios: Se negocian precios y términos.
  1. Inclusión: Los medicamentos aprobados se incorporan al sistema con precios establecidos.
  1. Reembolso: Los medicamentos listados son reembolsados bajo el sistema de salud pública.

A medida que Brasil se convierte en un mercado clave para las empresas farmacéuticas, nuestra biblioteca ofrece información esencial para ayudarle a ingresar a este mercado de manera eficiente y antes que la competencia.

Para obtener más información sobre los acuerdos de acceso a medicamentos en Brasil o acceder a nuestra biblioteca, reserve una demostración con nosotros hoy: https://www.lyfegen.com/demo

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Explorando Contratos Basados en el Valor: Acuerdos Públicos Destacados en Canadá, Dinamarca y Brasil

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Explorando Contratos Basados en el Valor: Acuerdos Públicos Destacados en Canadá, Dinamarca y Brasil


En este blog, seleccionamos acuerdos específicos en Canadá, Dinamarca y Brasil. Cada uno de estos acuerdos varía, y los elegimos para que pueda ver cómo los fabricantes abordan el acceso al mercado para diferentes medicamentos y regiones. Los contratos basados en el valor en estos mercados aceleran el acceso de los pacientes mientras comparten el riesgo financiero entre la industria farmacéutica y los pagadores, una situación en la que todos ganan.

Trikafta (Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor, Vertex Pharmaceuticals)

  • Indicación: Fibrosis quística
  • País: Canadá
  • Tipo de acuerdo: Cobertura con desarrollo de evidencia (CED), cobertura restringida, garantía basada en resultados.
  • Fecha: Julio 2022

La Agencia Canadiense de Medicamentos y Tecnologías en Salud requiere una reducción del 94% en el precio de Trikafta para que el tratamiento sea rentable. Los niños con fibrosis quística de entre 2 y 5 años son evaluados después de 1 año, para demostrar que se benefician del tratamiento. Los pacientes deben cumplir con una serie de criterios para ser elegibles para el tratamiento, lo que convierte al acuerdo en una combinación de cobertura con desarrollo de evidencia, cobertura restringida y basada en resultados.

Trikafta ya había sido aprobado para su uso en niños mayores de 6 años, pero realizar un ensayo clínico en niños de entre dos y cinco años se consideró “éticamente desafiante”. Sin embargo, un ensayo no controlado en este grupo de edad encontró que el tratamiento fue bien tolerado y redujo los biomarcadores de la condición. Para abordar las necesidades no satisfechas, reconociendo la falta de datos en esta población de pacientes, se negoció un contrato de CED con una reducción drástica en el precio.

Orkambi (lumacaftor/ivacaftor, Vertex Pharmaceuticals)

  • Indicación: Fibrosis quística
  • País: Brasil
  • Tipo de acuerdo: Cobertura restringida, CED
  • Fecha: Abril 2024

El Ministerio de Salud de Brasil llegó a un acuerdo con Vertex para permitir el acceso restringido a este tratamiento, mientras monitorea regularmente a los pacientes a los 30 días y a los 3 meses después de iniciar el tratamiento. El acuerdo incluye reembolsos si el tratamiento no logra los resultados clínicos deseados, alineando los precios con la efectividad.

Kalydeco (ivacaftor, Vertex Pharmaceuticals)

  • Indicación: Fibrosis quística
  • País: Dinamarca
  • Tipo de acuerdo: Acuerdo de precio-volumen; precios de cartera
  • Fecha: Octubre 2018

El organismo de adquisición danés, Amgros, y Vertex Pharmaceuticals llegaron a un acuerdo que proporciona acceso a una cartera de medicamentos para la fibrosis quística, incluyendo Orkambi (lumacaftor/ivacaftor) y futuras terapias, en 2019. A pesar de que esto ocurrió hace cinco años, es un excelente ejemplo de precios basados en cartera, donde los pagadores acuerdan pagar una tarifa fija por un grupo de medicamentos relacionados. Cuantos más pacientes los utilicen, menor será el precio por paciente.

Lynparza (Olaparib, AstraZeneca)

  • Indicación: Cáncer de ovario
  • País: Brasil
  • Tipo de acuerdo: Cobertura restringida, garantía basada en resultados
  • Fecha: Mayo 2022

Este acuerdo se realizó entre AstraZeneca y aseguradoras privadas en todo Brasil. El tratamiento se pone a disposición sin costos adicionales para el paciente y combina características de cobertura restringida con garantías de resultados. La cobertura continua depende de lograr una respuesta parcial o completa.

Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec, Novartis)

  • Indicación: Atrofia muscular espinal (AME)
  • País: Brasil
  • Tipo de acuerdo: Garantía de resultados, CED, pagos a plazos
  • Fecha: Diciembre, 2022

La terapia génica de Novartis, Zolgensma, se reembolsa en función de la necesidad de evidencia adicional, conocida como cobertura con desarrollo de evidencia. Esto implica usar la cobertura como un medio para obtener evidencia del mundo real, para compensar la falta de datos robustos de pacientes provenientes del ensayo clave. El acuerdo también divide el riesgo entre los pagadores y los fabricantes, al vincular el reembolso con los resultados obtenidos. Debido al gran potencial de la terapia para mejorar la calidad de vida de los niños con AME, el acuerdo permite que los pacientes elegibles comiencen a recibir el tratamiento rápidamente.

¿Quiere ver la biblioteca por sí mismo? Reserve una demostración hoy aquí: https://www.lyfegen.com/demo

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How Spain is Preparing for Europe’s New Regulation

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How Spain is Preparing for Europe’s New Regulation


To streamline the HTA process across EU member states, sweeping changes will go into effect in January of 2025. Instead of manufacturers of new health technologies needing to submit clinical data to each member state, under Regulation (EU) 2021/2282, the assessment will be conducted jointly. Manufacturers will only need to submit clinical assessments once, but member states can still conduct complementary assessments.

Important to note are the 9 assessment domains, of which 4 are clinical and 5 are non-clinical. The 4 clinical assessments include:  

  • Evaluation of the disease and the current treatment landscape
  • Examination of the new health technology
  • Safety
  • Effectiveness

The 5 non-clinical domains include:  

  • Cost and economic evaluation
  • Ethics
  • Organizational impacts
  • Social impacts
  • Legal aspects


Spain released its Draft Royal Decree on the 12th of August, which is open for comments until the 20th of September, outlining how they will align with the Directive. This effort involves the Office for the Evaluation of the Efficiency of Medicines operating as a functional unit under the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS).


In addition to joint clinical assessments in Europe, there will also be joint scientific consultations. The goal of this Directive is to reduce duplicate administrative work and remove barriers to innovation while aiming to improve patient outcomes.  


As these changes reshape the landscape, it's crucial for pharmaceutical and medical technology companies to adapt swiftly. Lyfegen can help you stay ahead with our cutting-edge solutions:


- Navigate New Regulatory Requirements: Access our extensive Agreements Library, featuring over 5,000+ public drug pricing agreements and 20 pricing models, to ensure compliance with the latest HTA standards.

- Optimize Decision-Making: Utilize our Drug Contracting Simulator to create data-driven business cases and run real-time simulations that align with Spain's new HTA guidelines.

- Streamline and Automate Contracting: Our Rebate Analytics solutions automate rebate and refund calculations, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and a significant reduction in administrative burdens.


Book a demo with us today to explore how Lyfegen’s tools and expertise can support your business under Spain’s new HTA framework.
Book your demo here: https://www.lyfegen.com/demo

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Medicare Part D’s 2025 Overhaul

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Medicare Part D’s 2025 Overhaul


A major change to Medicare Part D will go into effect next year, as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act. Most notably, the cap on out-of-pocket expenditures will be reduced from $3,300 to $2,000.  

  • Beneficiaries will be able to enroll in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, which involves monthly payments of under $200 instead of a lump sum at the pharmacy.  
  • The share of total drug costs will change. This year, 20% of catastrophic coverage costs are covered by the Part D plan and 80% by Medicare. Next year, 60% will be covered by Part D, only 20% by Medicare, and 20% by the manufacturer.  
  • The 5% coinsurance requirement will be eliminated, which will save patients thousands in out-of-pocket costs, especially for those on more expensive medications.  

This brings us to another major development.  

Update to Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program

CMS announced its selection of 10 drugs that were negotiated down in price, on August 15th. The selected drugs were identified as “single source drugs,” meaning there is no generic or biosimilar equivalent, and there is unlikely to be so in the near future. The new prices are estimated to save $6 billion in net prescription drug costs, representing a 22% reduction in spending. The new prices will go into effect on the 1st of January, 2026.  

As the pharmaceutical industry goes through these changes, it’s crucial to have the right tools in place. This is where Lyfegen comes into play with its cutting-edge solutions like the Drug Contracting Simulator, an innovative tool designed to help Market Access and Pricing teams stay ahead in this landscape:

💡 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘀: Build and test a wide range of drug rebate contracts, allowing you to quickly assess the impact on gross-to-net revenue and costs.

🤝 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲-𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁: Move away from Excel-based tools with our dedicated platform, designed for Market Access and Pricing teams, and re-usable across different markets and assets.

⚡ 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Streamline the creation of rebate agreements in a collaborative environment, helping you respond more effectively to new pricing pressures.Don’t miss out on staying ahead in this new regulatory environment. Book a demo with us today: https://www.lyfegen.com/demo

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Brazil’s Key Manufacturers and Payers

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Brazil’s Key Manufacturers and Payers


In Brazil, we found that the main manufacturers proposing value-based contracts were Novartis, Pfizer, J&J Innovative Medicine, and Roche. Among payers, we identified 21 private insurers between 2021 and 2024. We also added ANVISA (Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency) and the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies in the Unified Health System (CONITEC), Brazil’s health technology assessment (HTA) body.  

Therapeutic Areas  

The therapeutic areas we identified in Brazil’s public agreements include:

  • Infectious diseases
  • Oncology
  • Metabolic diseases
  • Cardiovascular
  • Hematology

Pricing Models

New pricing models from Brazil include:  

  • Restricted coverage
  • Fixed discount
  • Coverage with evidence development
  • Outcome guarantee
  • Budget cap

Featured Agreements

These agreements are highlighted because they address high-cost, rare diseases and demonstrate unique approaches to drug access and reimbursement, including coverage with evidence development, outcome guarantees, and installment payments

Cystic Fibrosis:

  1. Orkambi (2024): CED, Restricted coverage, Installments
  1. Trikafta (2023): CED, Outcome guarantee, Restricted coverage
  1. Kalydeco (2020): CED, Restricted coverage

Infantile Spinal Muscular Atrophy:

  1. Zolgensma (2022): Outcome guarantee, CED, Installment

Ovarian Cancer:

  1. Lynparza (2022): Restricted coverage, CED (with private insurers)

Main Manufacturers:

  • Novartis
  • Various manufacturers (for generics)
  • Pfizer
  • J&J Innovative Medicine
  • Roche

Understanding the HTA Process for Drug Approval in Brazil

In Brazil, the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) process is managed by ANVISA & the National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies in the Unified Health System (CONITEC). The process involves several steps:

  1. Application: Companies apply for their drugs to be assessed.
  1. Evaluation: ANVISA & CONITEC assess the drugs.
  1. Negotiation and Pricing: Prices and terms are negotiated.
  1. Inclusion: Successful drugs are incorporated into the system with set prices.
  1. Reimbursement: Listed drugs are reimbursed under the public health system.

As Brazil becomes a key market for Pharma companies, our library offers essential information to help you enter this market efficiently and ahead of the competition.

To learn more about Brazil’s Drug Access Agreements or get access to our library, book a demo with us today: https://www.lyfegen.com/demo

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