CLINICAL-STUDIES TO ASSESS THE ECONOMIC-IMPACT OF NEW THERAPIES - PRAGMATIC APPROACHES TO MEASURING COSTS

Pragmatic clinical trials using unselected patients in normal clinical situations are more appropriate for the economic assessment of new dr ugs. However, standard clinical studies that do not reflect current pr actice are useful and at present the only source of information. Anti- emetic drug studies using granisetron and ondansetron have demonstrate d that the overall economic impact of these drugs is equivalent to sta ndard therapies such as metoclopramide. Thus, an efficient anti-emetic drug with less frequent dosing, using a simplified dosage regimen and producing a reduction in anticipatory nausea and vomiting and in nurs ing time, may result in an overall reduction in cost. Decisions made p urely on the basis of drug costs may be misleading and promote ineffic ient use of health resources.