Abstract
Objective: Unfair medicines prices have been discussed widely as an obstacle for patient access. This article aims to structure the discussion about fair pricing of medicines, analyses the elements for a fair price, and assesses its practical implications. Methods: A systematic literature research has been undertaken and complemented by gray literature. Definitions and elements of a fair price have been extracted from the sample, categorized via a thematic and a quantitative analysis, and mirrored against the traditional framework of ‘iustum pretium’ (fair price). Results: The most often attributes of a fair price mentioned were affordability (n = 30), followed by value and research and development (R&D) investment (n = 20). Other frequently mentioned attributes are profitability (n = 19), transparency of R&D costs (n = 18), cost-effectiveness (n = 17), and manufacturing (n = 14). Nearly all definitions present fair price as a balance between different objectives. Conclusions: Most publications stipulate that medicines are a common good and should be affordable. At the same time, most publications also propose a pricing approach based on covering costs for R&D and/or on value. Consequently, most of the attempts to clarify fair price result in a value-affordability dilemma, which does not necessarily warrant patient access. Many social health systems implement pricing regardless of the debate. This systematic review offers a set of attributes for fair price and helps refining the existing pricing and reimbursement regulations. Once complemented by empirical datapoints, it provides the basis for developing a framework for fair pricing.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 148-153 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Public Health |
Volume | 231 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2024 |
Keywords
- Access
- Excessive pricing
- Fair price
- Medicines