gms | German Medical Science

Background: Horizon Scanning (HS) is a tool that can be used to inform healthcare decision makers and aid health system preparedness for the potential introduction of novel health technologies (i.e. pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital interventions). This is of particular benefit where the introduction of a novel health technology will require changes to the existing pathway of care. The global research and development portfolio of pharmaceutical disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is known to be rich, as identified from several publicly-available HS systems. Specific to pharmaceuticals, Ireland is a member of the International Horizon Scanning Initiative (IHSI) and also conduct a national HS process through engagement with pharmaceutical companies who intend to seek reimbursement in the following 18 months. The aim of this research is to use publicly-available HS systems, IHSI data, and the national HS to capture a comprehensive horizon of pharmaceutical DMTs for AD.

Objectives: To identify HS systems across high-income countries that identify emerging pharmaceuticals. To identify emerging pharmaceutical DMTs from those identified HS systems that provide publicly available data, IHSI, and the national HS in Ireland. To compare results across each HS system.

Methods: High-income countries were identified using World Bank Data. HS systems, from these countries, were identified via a targeted literature search and published EUnetHTA guidance. A targeted literature search was also conducted for each high-income country, to identify countries that engage in HS, individually or in collaboration. Countries in South America, Persian Gulf Region, and the Pacific Islands were excluded due to limited data availability. Publicly available HS systems, which reported on pharmaceutical DMTs, were considered for inclusion. Pharmaceutical DMTs were classified using the Common AD Research Ontology.

Results: Initial results identified 34 HS systems who scanned for pharmaceutical DMTs, across 50 countries. Several countries engage in collaborative HS activities. Across the identified publicly available HS systems, IHSI data and national HS records, 307 records were identified. The number of pharmaceutical DMTs by each HS system is varied.