News

China's pharmaceutical market is growing more than 20% annually, compared to a 3–5% growth rate in the U.S. and 1–3% in the EU. By 2013, China is likely to become the world's third-largest pharmaceutical market. Researchers at Analysis Group have worked closely with Chinese government officials and leading academics on a number of health care studies. This research, which has utilized a range of data sources including national and regional claims data, patient survey data, clinical trial data, hospital purchase data, registry data, and emergency room data, is helping to build the health care data infrastructure in China and supporting future scientific research.

Eric Q. Wu, a managing principal of Analysis Group and adjunct professor at Nankai University who sits on the advisory boards of the Health Economic Evaluation Center of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association and China Health Economics and Policy Research Center, observes that one of the biggest challenges to continued development is the lack of reliable scientific data. Dr. Wu, who also serves on the review committee for China’s formulary drug user guidelines, notes that as the focus on evidence increases, clinical experts and health economists will need scientific data to determine guidelines, policy, and formulary recommendations. "The ability to procure and apply data in studies involving comparative effectiveness, comparative safety, cost-effectiveness, and appropriate drug use is key," he says, "and will require collaboration among Chinese government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and researchers."