The interactions between regulators, health technology assessment (HTA), and companies play a significant role in the process of getting medicine to patients. These have evolved at a product level as well as at a policy and cross-jurisdictional level; however, it is important these activities are adding value for stakeholders involved. A survey conducted in March 2021 assessed the current interactions from multi-stakeholders, and their perceptions on the added value these interactions bring to better decision-making.

Three separate questionnaires containing nine questions were developed to assess the perceptions from pharmaceutical companies, regulators, and HTA agencies. The three questionnaires contained analogous questions where appropriate. The company questionnaire was sent to senior management at 19 international pharmaceutical companies, the agency survey was sent to 32 agencies (17 regulatory agencies and 15 HTA agencies) in Australia, Canada, Europe, and Asia.

Seven regulators, seven HTA agencies, and nine companies responded to the survey. All regulators and HTAs indicated they have interactions with their peer agencies, as well as between regulators and HTA. The top areas of interactions for regulators were formal work-sharing between regulators during review (86% response) and regulatory strengthening (86%), whilst for HTAs, interactions between HTA on methodology/framework (83%) and HTA capacity building (67%). Regulatory-HTA interactions were seen to have fewer practical benefits, which may suggest areas for improvement. Both companies and agencies believed an effective engagement model should support evidence generation; agencies also viewed an aligned process and improved decision-making as important. Respondents believed that an ideal ecosystem for interactions should facilitate separate remits for stakeholders, converged requirements, aligned process and increased transparency and trust.

This survey provided a snapshot of the current landscape interactions between stakeholders during the life cycle of new medicines, identified the areas where value is added and improvement are needed. Suggested building blocks to improve future interactions included early scientific advice, alignment of evidence requirements, and a collaborative approach among all stakeholders.