The CAR T- cell therapy revolution In 2017, the first therapy designed to genetically modify patients’ own T-cells to attack cancer was FDA-approved. These are known as CAR T-cell therapies. The therapies are an exceptional scientific advancement that have captured global attention due to their innovative nature. They have been…
CHN’s Quest to Encourage Pharma Entry Continues Since the Chinese government brought a deluge of reforms to their pharmaceutical sector in 2018, it is no surprise 2019 is shaping up to be another game-changing year. Following their previous efforts to incentivize manufacturers to enter the Chinese market (easing evidence standards…
Chinese philosophers have contributed many words of wisdom to those wise enough to listen and heed them. As various geopolitical storylines continue to play out, it has become clear that the current government led by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) is heeding one such quip, that is to not to…
Thomas Paine wrote in his presciently titled piece, The American Crisis, that ‘these are the times that try men’s souls’. Although chances are low that he had value frameworks in mind, Mr. Paine likely understood that, in a country that so cherishes liberty, equality may from time to ti me…
The Chinese National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL), which, before February, was last updated in 2009, has received a much-needed modernisation. On February 21, 2017, the NRDL was updated, and then officially published two days later. The new version of the NRDL can be found here. FIGURE 1. Formulary Structure of…
Welcome to Singapore (SGP), home of 2016’s ISPOR Asia, as well as the region’s best example of a deliberate and meticulous economy. This environment was a fitting backdrop for much of the news shared during this year’s proceedings. For instance, Japan (JPN) announced details around its pilot HTA programme, while…
Lu Yong, a Chinese CLL patient who purchased an unlicensed counterfeit version of NVS’ GLIVEC (imatinib) from India, was finally released without charge from local authorities. The case set off raucous debates in China over the lack of government coverage and patients’ inability to afford high-cost oncology therapies. Due to…