Evidence generation throughout paediatric medicines lifecycle --
learnings from collaborative work between EMA and EUnetHTA on use of
extrapolation
Abstract
Drug development for children presents unique challenges and is highly
regulated. Novel approaches, such as the use of extrapolation to address
for example the need to avoid unethical studies, whilst supporting
robust evidence generation have been developed in support of
benefit/risk considerations by regulatory authorities. This is only one
step in the decision-making process towards access, which in Europe also
includes health technology assessment (HTA) bodies. Discussions related
to evidentiary requirements in small populations through the use of
evidence transfer has been identified as a priority action by EMA/
EUnetHTA 21. We describe the outcome of this work; reflect on the
discussions taken place how to leverage prior knowledge through
identifying and addressing uncertainties during life cycle management to
support regulatory and HTA decision making. Through examples, we
discussed the spectrum of use to support evidence generation, and
developed regulatory and HTA reflections on general design
considerations important for robust evidence generation; reflective of
the joint ambition. Early interactions with all respective stakeholders,
particularly between regulators and HTA bodies are key to optimise data
generation and utility in children. In Europe, the HTA regulation will
offer opportunities for collaborations, which are important for all
development efforts. We collaboratively explored the unique specific
challenges relating to paediatric drug development, ethically and in its
ability to leverage prior knowledge, as exemplified using extrapolation.
Learnings from these offers opportunities to further develop methodology
how to leverage uncertainties across a product’s life cycle for small
populations generally.