Endobronchial valve (Zephyr system) received negative coverage decision in Norway

In 2013, Norway established a framework, "New Method," for the introduction of innovations into the health care system through either a national or hospital-based health technology assessment. In this framework, all innovations should undergo HTA before being funded.

The endobronchial valve (Zephyr system) for reduction of lung volume in emphysema treatment was evaluated within the "New Method" framework since 2017. In February 2022, the method assessment phase was completed, and the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) report was published.

On April 25, 2022, the Decision Forum for "New Method" made the following conclusions:

• Endobronchial valve (Zephyr) for reduction of lung volume in severe emphysema treatment is not recommended;
• There is no evidence of the long-term effectiveness of Zephyr and, therefore, significant uncertainty about the overall effect on health benefits and costs in one year and more after treatment;
• Further research is needed. The method can be used within clinical studies.

See the full details in Norwegian here.

This news is just one of about 300 market access news collected by our team in the subscription services "HTA Alerts" and "Reimbursement Alerts" every two weeks from more than 80 organizations. Access our paid subscription services to stay on top of all developments specifically for your products in Europe (reimbursement news) and globally (HTA news). First EU issues of both newsletters are available for download free-of-charge.

Not ready for a subscription service? Subscribe to our free-of-charge newsletter delivered every second week to get updates about key reimbursement developments in Europe (10-12 news every two weeks).