Release of EPEMED 2014 Patient Access Study

Founded in 2009, EPEMED’s consistent focus has been on enhancing patient access to personalised medicine in Europe. Anecdotally, European healthcare systems have been known as variable in providing patients with access to targeted medicines and the tests which inform their selection. However, specific details on the barriers associated with companion products have been lacking, and EPEMED believes that an objective dataset is necessary to inform future policy. Accordingly, in 2012 EPEMED selected La Charité’s leading Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics to conduct such a scientific research. The resulting study, titled “Enhancing Patient Access To Pharmaceutical Drug-Diagnostic Companion Products” was conducted from 2012-2014 and released in 2014.

This work serves as an evidence-based learning platform to provide vital insight and informed national and European recommendations to change and improve patient access to new pharmaceutical drug and/or the associated companion diagnostic. The report study was already presented to European and national institutions in direct meetings.

Objectives and Methodology

The objectives of the study were to

Conduct an environmental analysis of patient access pathways to pharmaceutical drug-diagnostic companion products from a patient’s perspective in the 5 most populated EU countries (Germany, England, France, Italy and Spain).
Identify key factors impeding and facilitating patient access
Develop country-specific and Europe-wide recommendations for improved patient access

The Charité analysis was overseen by an EPEMED Steering Committee incorporating Key Opinion Leaders drawn from EPEMED’s membership and collaborating partners[R1] . The design drew on both secondary and primary research conducted by La Charité, including a review of relevant publications and 30 exploratory interviews with EU expert stakeholders.

The Study

The resulting study is a 50+ page analysis comprising a detailed overview and a series of policy recommendations.

The full report is available here (1.47 MB)


Watch interview from Iain Miller, EPEMED Board Secretary and member of the editorial committee


For more information please email us at contact@epemed.org