APACMed Breakfast Conversations 

We kicked off the first APACMed Breakfast Conversations (ABC) session of the year on 8 February 2024. In the Asia Pacific region, patient and market access continues to be a challenge despite the remarkable innovations created and implemented by the MedTech industry. This challenge affects both MedTech companies and patients’ access to innovative solutions. 

APACMed Breakfast Conversations hosted an engaging discussion on the broader outlook for the year ahead on 8 February 2024. Panel speakers and the audience interacted in conversations  on the significance of effectively navigating market access and explored the challenges and opportunities looming from both industry and economic standpoints.  

The panel comprising Louise Hogg, Director, Market Access & HEOR, IPSOS, Sandeep Wasan, Managing Director, APAC Healthcare Investment Banking, Citibank and Pavan Kumar Mocherla, Executive Vice President & President Greater Asia, BD addressed pertinent issues including mental health and artificial intelligence and examined their implications for the MedTech industry.  

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) for Medical Devices in APAC 

HTA plays a key role in determining medical device coverage. Hence, the importance of industry engagement with stakeholders for better recognition of innovative technologies is paramount. By understanding these systems and engaging with stakeholders, APACMed empowers MedTech companies to bring innovative solutions to patients across the region. 

On 29 February 2024, APACMed hosted a webinar on Health Technology Assessment (HTA) practices for medical devices in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. The webinar focused on Australia, Japan, and South Korea, which represent major MedTech markets in APAC with more developed HTA systems and processes. 

The Growing Importance of HTA in APAC 

Ms Su Fen Ong, Manager of Government Affairs & Market Access, APACMed, shared in her opening remarks that governments in APAC are turning to evaluation methodologies to assess medical technologies to inform policy, pricing and reimbursement decisions. HTA is but one of the available methodologies, and it is important to note that the methods, processes and intended use of HTA for medical devices vary in APAC. 

Spotlight on HTA Practices in Australia and South Korea 

Mr Jeff Weisel (Senior Strategic Advisor), and Dr Smarth Lakhanpal, PhD, Avalere Health, provided an overview of HTA practices for medical devices in Australia and South Korea. In both countries, HTA is key in determining medical devices coverage in public and private settings, and the industry can continue to play a key role in engaging with government stakeholders to develop methodologies that better recognise the value of innovative technologies. 

Deep Dive into Japan’s Medical Device Reimbursement Framework 

Mr Michael LoPresti, Executive Director and Director of Value & Access at INTAGE Healthcare, delivered an in-depth presentation on the current medical device reimbursement framework in Japan. He explained the HTA process in Japan, where devices with an estimated peak sale of 5 billion yen or more may be selected for HTA. He also discussed some key challenges companies may face navigating the Japanese HTA process. 

For more information, please reach out to GAMA Secretariat, Ms Su Fen Ong.