Lääkeainekehykset

Lääkeainekehykset, known in English as Drug Frameworks, are a concept used in pharmacoeconomics and health technology assessment. They refer to the established systems and processes through which new medicines are evaluated for their value and potential inclusion in national healthcare systems or formularies. These frameworks are designed to ensure that public funds are used efficiently and that patients have access to effective and cost-effective treatments.

The implementation of drug frameworks varies by country, but they generally involve several key stages. First, a new drug undergoes regulatory approval by a national health authority, confirming its safety and efficacy. Following this, it is typically assessed by an independent body responsible for health technology assessment (HTA). This assessment evaluates the drug's clinical effectiveness compared to existing treatments, its cost-effectiveness, and its overall impact on the healthcare system and patient outcomes.

Key criteria within these frameworks often include measures of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) or similar metrics, which quantify the health benefits gained from a treatment in terms of both length and quality of life. Economic modeling is used to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the new drug. Based on these assessments, recommendations are made regarding reimbursement or inclusion in national drug lists. The ultimate goal of Lääkeainekehykset is to facilitate informed decision-making in pharmaceutical policy, balancing innovation with the need for sustainable and equitable healthcare.