Evidence vs. Efficacy in allergen-specific immunotherapy: Considerations using the example of tradable products in Germany

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Randolf Brehler - , University of Münster (Author)
  • Ludger Klimek - , Center for Rhinology and Allergology Wiesbaden (Author)
  • Christian Vogelberg - , Department of Paediatrics, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Thomas Werfel - , Hannover Medical School (MHH) (Author)
  • Oliver Pfaar - , Center for Rhinology and Allergology Wiesbaden, Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Eckard Hamelmann - , Ruhr University Bochum, Medical Center Bethel (Author)

Abstract

The recently published S2k-guideline on (allergen-) specific immunotherapy (AIT) provides an excellent overview of the evidence on allergen preparations available for AIT in Germany based on the published efficacy studies. Publications based on the guideline are currently being used by the German associations of statutory health insurance physicians and German health insurance funds to open a discussion on the reimbursement status of allergen preparations. In our view, calling the reimbursement status of perscribable and tradable AIT preparations into question on the basis of an assessment of the current body of evidence in the guideline is to be rigidly opposed. In Germany the Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI) is the only authority empowered to decide on the marketability of AIT preparations, and decisions on the reimbursement status of AIT products need to be based on cost– benefit analyses and not solely on an evaluation of the evidence. The present article aims to examine the relationship between the evidence, efficacy, tradability, and reimbursability of AIT preparations.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)38-43
Number of pages6
JournalAllergo Journal
Volume25
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85082312696

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, Allergology, Efficacy, Evidence, Guideline, Hypersensitization