Insights

Transfagarasan road most spectacular road in the world

Seven reflections on the UK EQ-5D-5L value set – and what comes next

30 March 2026

The long-awaited UK EQ-5D-5L value set has been published, marking a key moment for health technology assessment. Its adoption by NICE is set to shape how health-related quality of life is valued, raising important questions for future HTA decisions.

TTIP USA and EU cooperation and Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership concept theme with the flags of the United states of America and the European Union

Europe’s pharmaceutical policy choices – And what the United States stands to learn

18 March 2026

A recent policy discussion on Capitol Hill hosted by We Work For Health examined the lessons the United States might draw from Europe’s experience with pharmaceutical pricing and innovation. As a participant, my key takeaways focused on understanding the trade-offs underpinning EU and UK drug pricing policy and the broader impact on innovation for both sides of the Atlantic.

Skyline of Paris with Eiffel Tower in Paris France Panoramics

Around The World in HTAs: France – Three Core HTA Values

12 March 2026

In the latest edition of our Insights series, Around the World in HTAs, we explore the HTA system in France. A special thanks to Salah Ghabri for his valuable support to write this note.

wooden scale balancing one big ball and four small ones

Why do we expect obesity medicines to work differently?

5 March 2026

Weight regain after stopping GLP-1 medicines isn’t a treatment failure — it shows that obesity is a chronic, relapsing condition. Like other long-term therapies, benefits last only while treatment continues. Reframing obesity this way can improve outcomes and reduce stigma.

Rare Disease Day Background Colorful awareness ribbon with group of people with rare diseases

Global rare‑disease policy shifts: what are the implications for equitable access to orphan medicines?

1 March 2026

Rare diseases may affect only a small number of people, but together they impact an estimated 300–400 million people worldwide — and only around 5% have an approved treatment. As global attention grows, including the WHO’s upcoming 10-year Global Action Plan, it is important to understand how regulation, HTA, and pricing policies across the UK, EU, and US influence the development of orphan medicines and access for patients.

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NICE’s new cost-effectiveness threshold: Significance, consequences, and unanswered questions

25 February 2026

NICE’s cost-effectiveness threshold will rise in April 2026, for the first time in 20 years. This raises important questions to consider as we approach the change and in the years that follow.

Adrian Towse giving a talk at ISPOR 2026 after receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award

Reflections from Adrian Towse on decades of HEOR research and impact

11 November 2025

Adrian Towse, Emeritus Director and Visiting Senior Research Fellow at OHE looks back at his journey and impact in health economics research.

Turning around the NHS: Reflections on the 2025 OHE Annual Lecture

14 October 2025

In this year’s Annual Lecture, Prof Anita Charlesworth takes a closer look at the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, concluding that all is not lost for the NHS, but questions of coherence, capacity, and capability remain.

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OHE’s submission to a parliamentary inquiry on UK drug shortages

6 October 2025

The following is an extract from OHE’s written submission to parliament focused on diversifying suppliers and recognising the value of treatment alternatives to mitigate this issue.