Impact of indication changes on scoping for European Union Joint Clinical Assessment: scale of the problem and how to address it
2024

Impact of Changes in Indications on Clinical Assessments in the EU

Sample size: 42 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Heikkinen Inka, Goodall Melinda, Steck Natalie, Poulakou Maria, Piso Katherine

Primary Institution: MSD International

Hypothesis

How do changes in proposed indications affect the scoping for Joint Clinical Assessment in the EU?

Conclusion

Changes in proposed indications often narrow the eligible patient population, which can complicate the Joint Clinical Assessment process.

Supporting Evidence

  • 67% of products had only editorial changes between proposed and approved indications.
  • Most changes reduced the eligible population rather than broadened it.
  • The most common change was a shift to a later treatment line.

Takeaway

When doctors decide how to treat patients, they sometimes change their minds about who should get the treatment, which can make it harder for patients to get the help they need quickly.

Methodology

The study analyzed 27 oncology products and 15 Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products for changes in proposed indications and their impact on patient eligibility.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to reliance on clinical assumptions without expert validation.

Limitations

The study did not include conditionally approved products and relied on general patterns rather than detailed case-by-case analysis.

Participant Demographics

Included oncology and advanced therapy medicinal products approved between 2017 and January 2024.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1017/S0266462324004641

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