The challenge

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an increasing health threat, yet its status as a “rare disease” means that research about it is pretty limited. Our client, a major drug manufacturer interested in bringing only the second treatment onto the market, needed our help to develop a robust economic evaluation for reimbursement submissions.

The approach

We first conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of the literature. We used the data to build a model for the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which we subsequently adapted to 10 other health care systems to support the client’s global strategy.

We collaborated with the client through multiple phases of health economic modelling, achieving a level of trust and efficiency that supported a partnership lasting several years. We leveraged our expert knowledge in the disease area and close relationship with the client to develop a global submission strategy.

The outcome

The client’s regulatory submission to NICE was accepted following its consultation, avoiding months-long revisions and negotiations. As a result, the client’s drug gained rapid market access in the UK and across the globe.