A pilot study on the drug price revision strategy in Japan: A comparison among fiscal years 2018, 2020, and 2022

Objective: Japan has resumed its health technology assessment to decide how to reduce high-cost drug prices. While drug price rules in Japan are comprehensive, they do not necessarily capture differences in product characteristics. This study examined the drug price revision strategy in Japan using migraine treatment with triptans as an example. Cost data from fiscal years (FY) 2018, 2020, and 2022 were utilized.
Methods: A cost-utility analysis was conducted from the perspective of healthcare payers, focusing on Japanese patients aged over 18 years experiencing migraines. The study employed a base-case model with probabilities derived from a network meta-analysis. Direct costs included medical and drug costs. Effectiveness was assessed using the European Quality of Life five-dimensions—3-level questionnaire. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the level of uncertainty.
Results: In FY2018, sumatriptan and eletriptan were cost-effective; howeve..., , , # A pilot study on the drug price revision strategy in Japan: A comparison among fiscal years 2018, 2020, and 2022

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### Author(s)

Naoto Nakagawa, Phar.D., Ph.D.
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ohu University, Koriyama, Fukushima, Japan
31-1 Misumido, Tomita-machi, Koriyama, Fukushima 963-8611, Japan
Email: [[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail])

Mizuha Konno, BS, RPh
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ohu University, Koriyama, Fukushima, Japan
31-1 Misumido, Tomita-machi, Koriyama, Fukushima 963-8611, Japan
Email: [[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail])

Masami Kashiwabara, B.S., R. Ph,
QOL pharmacy
Email: [[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail])

Shinya Shimoji, PhD
Shimoji Neurology Clinic
Email: [[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail])

Jun Mochimaru, BS, RPh
QOL pharmacy
Email: [[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail])

Tadao Inoue, Ph.D.
Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine
Email:...,