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A Discrete Choice Experiment Investigating Preferences for Funding Drugs Used to Treat Orphan Diseases

Author

Listed:
  • Emmanouil Mentzakis

    (Department of Economics, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University)

  • Patricia Stefanowska

    (Research undertaken while MSc Student, Health Research Methodology and Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University)

  • Jeremiah Hurley

    (Department of Economics, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University)

Abstract

Policy debate about funding criteria for drugs used to treat rare, orphan diseases is gaining prominence. This study presents evidence from a discrete choice experiment investigating the preferences of the public regarding public funding for drugs used to treat rare diseases and common diseases using a convenient sample of university students. We find that: other things equal, the respondents do not prefer to have the government spend more for drugs used to treat rare diseases; that respondents are not willing to pay more per life year gained for a rare disease than a common disease; and that the public weighs relevant attributes of the coverage decisions (e.g., costs, disease severity, treatment effectiveness) similarly for both rare and common diseases. The results confirm the importance of severity and treatment effectiveness in preferences for public funding. Though the first study of its kind, the results send a cautionary message regarding the special treatment of orphan drugs in coverage decision making.

Suggested Citation

  • Emmanouil Mentzakis & Patricia Stefanowska & Jeremiah Hurley, 2010. "A Discrete Choice Experiment Investigating Preferences for Funding Drugs Used to Treat Orphan Diseases," Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis Working Paper Series 2010-01, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis (CHEPA), McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
    • Handle: RePEc:hpa:wpaper:201001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hole, Arne Risa, 2008. "Modelling heterogeneity in patients' preferences for the attributes of a general practitioner appointment," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 27(4), pages 1078-1094, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mortimer, Duncan & Peacock, Stuart, 2012. "Social welfare and the Affordable Care Act: Is it ever optimal to set aside comparative cost?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(7), pages 1156-1162.

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