EU HTA Network Tackles Assessment of Innovative New Obesity Device

The European Network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA) has announced the opening of a public consultation on the draft project plan for the assessment of the Duodenal-jejunal bypass sleeve (EndoBarrier), a new and innovative medical device indicated for the treatment of obesity.

The Draft provides an overview of the planned pilot European rapid health technology assessment (HTA) process, the scope of the assessment, as well as the scientific methods and the schedule for completing the pilot.  The deadline for comments is 4 April 2013.

EUnetHTA is a joint initiative of the European Commission and the relevant HTA agencies in the EU Member States with the aim of strengthening cross-border HTA collaboration. Although HTA assessments were at first focused on pharmaceuticals, they are also becoming ever more important for reimbursement decisions for other health products and services, such as medical devices and diagnostics.