Framework on HTA methods for addressing drug repurposing challenges
This framework shows how health technology assessment (HTA) methods can help overcome challenges in reusing existing drugs for new diseases. It identifies common problems in drug repurposing and suggests when and how HTA tools can be used early in the process to improve success.
At a glance
Use when
Planning or conducting drug repurposing initiatives; seeking to strengthen the evidence and value case for a repurposed drug; aiming to inform research priorities or funding decisions
Avoid when
When no interest in early HTA input; when data access or stakeholder engagement is not feasible; when the repurposing pathway is already well-established and funded
Inputs
Data on existing drugs, evidence gaps, stakeholder perspectives, regulatory and market context, research uncertainties
Outputs
Assessment of value proposition, guidance for further research, identification of evidence needs, strategic input for development and funding decisions
How it works
The framework outlines 20 challenges in drug repurposing across five categories: data access, research and development, collaboration, business case, and regulatory and legal issues. It proposes the early integration of HTA methods—such as literature reviews, empirical research, stakeholder consultation, health economic evaluation, and uncertainty analysis—to address these challenges. The goal is to strengthen the value proposition of repurposed drugs, guide further research, and support decision-making for cost-effective patient access.
- Project
- REPO4EU
- Funding
- Horizon Europe
- Project status
- Ongoing
- HTA domains
- Costs & Economic Evaluation, Organisational aspects
- Categories
- Drug Repurposing
- Technology
- Medicines
- Assumptions
- HTA methods can be applied early in the repurposing process; stakeholders are willing to engage; data on existing drugs are accessible or can be generated
- Strengths
- Provides structured approach to identify and address key barriers in drug repurposing; promotes early use of HTA to shape research and development; supports value-based decision-making across multiple domains
- Limitations
- Framework is conceptual and not yet validated in practice; may require adaptation to specific healthcare systems or repurposing contexts; depends on availability of data and stakeholder collaboration
- Also known as
- HTA Framework for Drug Repurposing, Conceptual Framework for Addressing Drug Repurposing Challenges Using HTA
Questions this answers
- › How can HTA help when reusing old drugs for new diseases?
- › What are the main challenges in bringing repurposed drugs to patients?
- › When should HTA methods be used in drug repurposing projects?
- › Which HTA methods are useful for improving drug repurposing success?
- › Can health economic evaluation support decisions about repurposed drugs?
Similar by meaning
Beta record. Generated from the primary source via AI extraction and independent audit, pending final human review.