Abstract:

As a result socioeconomic differentiation may represent additionally to the drug's therapeutic merit-proof a decisive component to achieve a sustainable competitive edge. It represents a strategic element which pharmaceutical companies will have to envisage. Cost savings of a drug as well as the advantages in terms of patients' quality of life are becoming more important. The success of socioeconomic evidence development depends largely on the application of adequate standards and the selection of the right tools. The formal tools are Cost-Benefit/Effectiveness and Quality of Life studies. The evidence development has to be started very early in the product development process. In today's environment a reasonable remuneration for a new product will depend on the ability to substantiate the socioeconomic advantages, in order to assure the continuity of the therapeutic innovation process.