Most Recent Publication

Regulatory review time and pharmaceutical research and development - Health Economics - Wiley Online Library

Anna Chorniy, James Bailey, Abdulkadir Civan, Michael Maloney

Abstract

In the United States, all newly developed drugs undergo a lengthy review process conducted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These regulatory delays have direct immediate costs for drug manufacturers and patients waiting for treatment. Under certain market conditions, regulatory delays may also affect future research and development (R&D) strategies of pharmaceutical companies. To estimate the magnitude of this effect, we match data on drugs in the development pipeline in 2006 to data that we collect on FDA review times for all drugs approved between 1999 and 2005. Employing a rich and novel set of controls that affect drug R&D decisions and, potentially, regulatory review lags, we find that on average, three additional months of delay result in one fewer drug in development in that drug category. Our results suggest that the length of the regulatory delay matters for pharmaceutical firms' R&D decisions and that the firms are likely unable to pass on these costs onto consumers.

Anna Chorniy, PhD is a Research Assistant Professor for the Department of Medical Social Sciences, Buehler Center for Health Policy & Economics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University. Read Faculty Profile

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Virtual Forum: Understanding Preventable Deaths in Central Illinois

This forum brings together researchers and community leaders to discuss emerging trends of preventable deaths in Central Illinois. It will be hosted by the League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria & Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Buehler Center for Health Policy & Economics. 

Central Illinois has seen an increase in preventable deaths during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The panel will explore preventable deaths in Central Illinois due to violence, suicide and overdose. Dr. Maryann Mason will be presenting relevant data from the Statewide Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) and Illinois Violent Death Reporting System (IVDRS).

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MMWR: Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report, March 2021: Notes from the Field: Opioid Overdose Deaths Before, During, and After an 11-Week COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Order — Cook County, Illinois, January 1, 2018–October 6, 2020 

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