Q: What did the health economist say to the expensive treatment?
A: “You better be worth it!”
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the integration of health economics into clinical trials has become increasingly vital. Health economics provides a framework for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of new treatments and interventions, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and that the most beneficial therapies are prioritized. Integrating economic evaluations has led to the widespread implementation of cost-effective ART programs, significantly improving the management of HIV/AIDS in resource-limited settings (1).
One of the primary benefits of incorporating health economics into clinical trials is the enhancement of research quality. By evaluating the economic impact of treatments, researchers can ensure that their studies address relevant and meaningful questions. This leads to higher quality and more impactful research outcomes. Additionally, health economics provides crucial data that informs decision-makers about the economic value of new treatments, aiding in reimbursement decisions and policy-making (2)
Health economics plays a critical role in the optimal allocation of limited healthcare resources. By assessing the cost-effectiveness of different interventions, it ensures that funds are directed towards the most effective treatments. This not only maximizes the health benefits for patients but also ensures that healthcare systems operate more efficiently (3). Economic evaluations of hypertension and diabetes management programs have highlighted the long-term cost savings and health benefits of early intervention and treatment, influencing policy changes to prioritize these conditions (4).
Incorporating economic evaluation into clinical trials can significantly improve trial design. It allows for more adaptive and efficient studies, leading to better outcomes and more robust data. This is particularly important in the context of adaptive clinical trials, where the ability to make real-time adjustments based on economic data can enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the trial(2,5).
Economic evaluations can also increase funding opportunities for clinical trials. Demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of new treatments can attract additional funding from governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as private sector investors. Moreover, conducting thorough economic evaluations enhances the credibility and reputation of the research unit, building trust with stakeholders, investors, and regulatory bodies (3).
Finally, health economics can play a pivotal role in influencing healthcare policies and practices. By providing evidence of the economic value of new treatments, researchers can advocate for policies that support the adoption of cost-effective interventions. This not only benefits patients but also contributes to the sustainability of healthcare systems (6). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) implemented a cap on indirect cost reimbursements, which was challenged and adjusted based on economic evaluations demonstrating the potential negative impact on research quality and sustainability (7).
In conclusion, the integration of health economics into clinical trials is essential for ensuring that new treatments are both clinically effective and economically viable. It enhances research quality, optimizes resource allocation, improves trial design, attracts funding, and influences policy, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare systems alike.
- Tran BX, Nguyen LH, Turner HC, Nghiem S, Vu GT, Nguyen CT, et al. Economic evaluation studies in the field of HIV/AIDS: bibliometric analysis on research development and scopes (GAP(RESEARCH)). BMC Health Serv Res. 2019 Nov 14;19(1):834.
- Flight L, Julious S, Brennan A, Todd S, Hind D. How can health economics be used in the design and analysis of adaptive clinical trials? A qualitative analysis. Trials. 2020 Mar 6;21(1):252.
- University College London. Understanding health economics in clinical trials [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2025 May 13]. Available from: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/short-courses/search-courses/understanding-health-economics-clinical-trials
- Rickwood S, Bailey S, Mora-Brito D. How scaling up clinical research in Africa can benefit society and the economy [Internet]. Health and Healthcare Systems. 2024 [cited 2025 May 14]. Available from: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/08/africa-scaling-up-clinical-research-benefit-society-economy/
- Horby P, Lim WS, Emberson JR, Mafham M, Bell JL, Linsell L, et al. Dexamethasone in Hospitalized Patients with Covid-19. N Engl J Med. 2021 Feb 25;384(8):693–704.
- Abbott JH, Wilson R, Pryymachenko Y, Sharma S, Pathak A, Chua JYY. Economic evaluation: a reader’s guide to studies of cost-effectiveness. Archives of Physiotherapy. 2022 Dec 15;12(1):28.
- Gostin LO, Bard JS. The National Institutes of Health Cap on Indirect Rates for Research Institutions—Law and Policy. JAMA [Internet]. 2025 Apr 16 [cited 2025 May 13]; Available from: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2025.6238
Blog by: Tendayi Chipango ACRN’s Health Economist