Abstract

In 2017, Value in Health Regional Issues published a collection of articles describing health technology assessment (HTA) processes in Latin America. Because Federación Latinoamericana de la Industria Farmacéutica [FIFARMA]; http://www.fifarma.org/) had already published its position paper online [1], the position paper did not appear in this series of articles published in Value in Health Regional Issues. Nevertheless, the journal did publish an editorial by Levy [2] that addressed FIFARMA's position and views on HTA in the Latin America region. Although FIFARMA appreciates Dr Levy's thoughtful comments, we wanted an opportunity to clarify some of the points raised in his editorial.

FIFARMA is the Latin American Federation of Pharmaceutical Industry, a regional organization created in 1962, which represents 13 research and development pharmaceutical companies and 9 local trade associations across Latin America [3]. FIFARMA recognizes that HTA has emerged globally as the preferred discipline through which governments and payers are being recommended in their decisions about whether to pay for a technology (access and coverage) and how much (reimbursement). As a key stakeholder in any HTA-based pricing and reimbursement system, the pharmaceutical industry is responsible for finding an effective manner in which to partner with governments to shape both the design and ongoing application of HTA processes. The goal is to achieve the highest level of openness and transparency, consultation and participation, fairness and credibility, predictability and independence as it relates to value.