Managed Entry Agreements for Pharmaceutical Products in Three Maghreb Countries: Payer and Supplier Perspectives.

Abstract

Our objective is to describe the experience and challenges of using Managed Entry Agreements (MEAs) in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. We conducted online interviews with key decision-makers in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia between March 2021 and December 2023. The questionnaire captured experience with MEAs, types of agreements implemented, and challenges to implementing MEAs. Three, five, and seven participants working, respectively, in the Algerian, Moroccan, and Tunisian pharmaceutical sectors, participated in the interviews. Participants were from the public (8/15) and the private sector (7/15). Only Tunisian respondents reported having dealt with MEAs contracts, such as financial-based agreements (FBAs) related to standard discounts and volume-based price discounts. All respondents were aware of the potential need for structuring contracts differently for expensive medicines. Hurdles in implementing MEAs noted by respondents were mainly related to the absence of a legal framework and the lack of budget allocated for new medicines. Most respondents projected an increase in the use of MEAs to improve reimbursement and access to new, highly priced medicines. Recommendations include strengthening pricing, reimbursement processes, and HTA use. The adoption of FBAs is suggested as a practical initial approach.