Streamlining HTA – Joint Scientific Consultations in the EU

By João L. Carapinha

January 31, 2025

The European Commission has adopted an implementing regulation outlining the procedural rules for joint scientific consultations on medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices under the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Regulation. These consultations enable health technology developers to receive guidance from HTA bodies on the clinical evidence needed for future joint clinical assessments. The regulation, which became applicable on January 12, 2025, aims to streamline the development and assessment process for health technologies.

Joint Scientific Consultations

The regulation provides a framework for health technology developers to consult with HTA bodies. It also enables other stakeholders to obtain early advice regarding the clinical evidence required for joint clinical assessments. The implementing act details the submission process, the selection of stakeholders/experts, and cooperation with the EMA for parallel consultations. The consultations aim to optimize the generation of robust evidence for both marketing authorization and HTA assessments, particularly for areas with high unmet needs and substantial uncertainty.

The Health Technology Assessment Regulation (HTAR) was proposed by the European Commission in 2018 and formally adopted in December 2021. It aims to enhance EU/EEA cooperation on joint health technology assessments regarding relative clinical efficacy and safety. Key aspects include: i) joint clinical assessments conducted by Member States’ HTA bodies to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of new health technologies, and ii) joint scientific consultations that advise technology developers on clinical study designs and evidence generation. The regulation covers clinical aspects but excludes economic evaluations, pricing, and reimbursement decisions, which remain under national jurisdiction.

Health Economics and Outcomes Research

The HTAR is expected to reduce duplication across member states, streamline regulatory and HTA advice procedures, and enable more rapid access to innovative treatments. This harmonization can lead to efficient resource use and better alignment of evidence generation with regulatory and HTA requirements. By providing clear guidelines and a single EU-level submission process for JCAs, the HTAR enhances predictability for developers. This clarity can foster innovation and investment in the health technology sector.

The regulation emphasizes the involvement of patient organizations, clinical experts, and other relevant stakeholders. This ensures that the HTA process reflects diverse experiences and needs, ultimately improving the relevance and acceptability of health technologies. The regulation seeks to improve timely and equitable access to innovative therapies across the EU, which can significantly impact health outcomes and healthcare system efficiency.

Reference url

Recent Posts

oral cancer East Africa
   

Oral Cancer in East Africa: The Need for Early Detection

💡 Did you know that Toombak use is a leading risk factor for oral cancer in East Africa?

A recent scoping review sheds light on the shocking prevalence of oral cancer in the region, emphasising the urgent need for public health interventions and improved early detection strategies. Enhancing awareness around risk factors like Toombak, tobacco, and alcohol for tackling this growing health crisis.

Curious about the key insights and their implications for health economics? Look into the full article to find out more!

#SyenzaNews #HealthEconomics #Oncology #GlobalHealth

Novartis patent cliff layoffs
     

Engineering Resilience: Mastering Pharma Patent Expiration Strategy

🚨 Are you still reacting to pharmaceutical patent expirations with layoffs and litigation, or are you ready to engineer a strategy that turns the patent cliff into your next competitive edge?

Patent expirations don’t have to derail your pharma portfolio. Learn how to outmaneuver generics and transform challenges into advantages. Dive into our latest insights and take control today.

#SyenzaNews #pharmaceuticals #innovation #PharmaStrategy #patentcliffs

diabetes medicine access
               

Improving Diabetes Medicine Access: Key Changes in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

🚀 Are we on the verge of a breakthrough in diabetes medication accessibility?

The latest updates to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) are set to transform type 2 diabetes management by expanding access to essential medicines like empagliflozin and streamlining the prescribing process for glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). These changes not only prioritize equity for high-risk populations but also align with global trends in cost-effective healthcare.

Dive deeper into how these revisions could reshape diabetes care and promote better health outcomes for all.

#SyenzaNews #HealthcareInnovation #healthcare #MarketAccess

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

© 2025 Syenza™. All rights reserved.