Re-using and Sharing Systematic Review Data Between Competing Companies and HTA Stakeholders: Is It Feasible and How Can Challenges Be Overcome?

ISSUE:

This panel will debate Health Technology Assessment (HTA) research waste associated with systematic literature reviews (SLRs) conducted by multiple companies for different assets launching in the same indication.

The extent to which waste can be reduced through SLR data reuse between companies and HTA bodies will be discussed. The potential solution of living systematic reviews (LSRs) and shared libraries will be debated; opportunities and challenges will be considered to determine the feasibility of this approach.

OVERVIEW:

HTAs evaluate the value of new treatments relative to standard of care. Submissions require the development of costly and time-consuming SLRs. Particularly in disease areas with rapidly emerging new treatments, research waste can occur, with multiple companies conducting similar SLRs.

Thilo Schaufler will provide an overview of research waste in HTA and the impact on patients. Thilo will propose that LSRs could allow reuse and expansion of data by companies and HTA stakeholders. [8 minutes]

Helene Vioix will offer a company perspective in favor of LSRs, arguing that static SLRs are outdated. Helene will describe challenges of rapidly emerging evidence, with companies producing SLRs to support multiple activities. [9 minutes]

Sue Harnan will raise considerations from the HTA perspective, as an Evidence Assessment Group member. Sue will consider how LSRs could improve transparency and consistency, noting potential pitfalls, methodological considerations, and challenges. [9 minutes]

Vicki Young will describe practical barriers that must be overcome to share LSRs between stakeholders. Vicki will cover LSR commissioning, competitive interests, and stakeholder sacrifices required to gain from LSRs.

Thilo will facilitate debate on overcoming shared LSR challenges. The impact on HTA methods and funding will be considered. Audience members will have an opportunity to comment on each challenge. Finally, each panelist will summarize the feasibility of LSRs in HTA from their perspective. [20 minutes]