Demonstrating the value of medicines: evolution of value equation and stakeholder perception of uncertainties

It is important to evaluate how the value of medicine is assessed, as it may have important implications for health technology and reimbursement assessments. The value equation could comprise ‘incremental benefit/outcome’ (relative results of care in terms of patient health, comparing the innovation to best available alternative(s)) in the numerator and ‘cost’ (relative costs involved in the full cycle of care (or a defined period) for the patient's medical condition, incorporating the relevant cost-offsets due to displacement of best available alternative(s)) in the denominator. This ‘relative value’ combined with the overall net budget impact (of including the drug in the formulary or reimbursed drug list) at the concerned population level in the given institution/region/country may better inform the usefulness of the new therapeutic option to the healthcare system. As product value messages are created, anticipating external stakeholder questions and information needs, including addressing three main categories of ‘uncertainties’, namely the scientific uncertainties, usage uncertainties, and financial uncertainties, could facilitate demonstration of optimal product value and help informed decision-making to benefit all stakeholders involved in the process.