How can the regulatory system adapt to encourage the
development of innovative new medicines and technologies that deliver real
value to patients in an increasingly cost-sensitive environment? These were
the challenges that an invited group of leading regulatory thought leaders,
academics and patient advocates explored at the recent TOPRA Summit on 26 May
in London.
Sophisticated new technologies and scientific tools offer
faster, more effective drug development at a time when there are more promising
new molecules in the pipeline than ever before. On the downside a
challenging economic climate and increasing demand from an ageing population
are focusing payers of healthcare on cost.
Patients and consumers are increasingly driving the
healthcare agenda insisting that their voices are heard at all stages of
medicines development so that endpoints, outcomes and quality of life reflect
their needs.
Against this challenging backdrop, attendees debated issues
across the medicines regulation spectrum agreeing that there is now an
opportunity for some ‘blue-sky thinking’. The issues raised and how they could
be tackled in order to re-design the drug approval process, facilitate
collaboration, and improve communication and competences are outlined in our
discussion paper.