EHCI · Economics of Health Care Markets and Innovation

Medical progress over the last century has undoubtedly improved our well-being. However, the equal access to health care and its economic sustainability are challenged by the scientific revolutions of genetics, the nature and extent of new risks and the growing externalities across countries that put at risk the production of health care public goods. The development of new cell and gene technologies holds the potential for creating therapies for conditions like cancers and genetic diseases. However, the associated costs may be prohibitively high. It is crucial to find ways to provide an environment where such innovations are produced in the most efficient and accessible way. Furthermore, the incentives provided by intellectual property protection, which drive innovation, and measures to reduce research and development costs, are vulnerable to international free riding and can be in contradiction with competition policy.The objective of this research program is to conduct policy-relevant analyses that address these challengesand contribute to a better understanding of optimal public policies and regulatory interventions. Several research directions will be pursued focusing on national price regulation. These regulations must consider potential cross-country externalities arising from explicit reference pricing used by regulators, international trade considerations, and the need to collectively finance socially valuable innovations. The exploration of alternative pricing mechanisms, such as indication-based pricing, quantity-based pricing, and exclusivity extension rules, will be undertaken as potential tools to improve efficiency. Moreover, the promotion of pharmaceuticals, both by the private sector and public entities, will be examined. Additionally, the research program will involve the analysis of innovation and competition policies, ranging from drug research and development projects to healthcare markets.