Plymouth Meeting's ECRI Awarded European Pharmaceutical Contract

PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA — Locally based health services organization ECRI announced this week that it has been awarded a multi-year contract to develop a database of pharmaceuticals that are expected to be introduced to the European marketplace within the next two-and-a-half years.

Under the multi-year contract, which was awarded by the International Horizon Scanning Initiative, which is a group made up of multiple European nations, ECRI will also create “High Impact Reports, which will provide critical insights and information about new medications that show highest potential to disrupt the market,” according to a press release from ECRI, which is an independent and nonprofit organization that provides technology solutions and evidence-based guidance to healthcare decision-makers globally.

The database and reports are expected to “level the playing field” for those involved in decision-making related to pharmaceutical pricing and cost reimbursement and could also help when it comes to price negotiations, according to the news release.

“By applying our deep expertise and unbiased objectivity, ECRI will build a high-quality system that IHSI can rely on for the most accurate understanding of the future impact of healthcare technology and drugs,” Marcus Schabacker, ECRI president and chief executive officer, said in a statement released by the organization. “We look forward to improving access to innovative, safe, and effective medicines for millions of people worldwide.”

ECRI says that it is qualified for this multi-year European contract because it previously worked with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to create the first U.S. Healthcare Horizon Scanning System and also because of its continued work with the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

“ECRI’s independence, evidence-based approach, and advanced use of data science, artificial intelligence, and technology make ECRI an ideal partner,” Marcus Guardian, general manager of of the International Horizon Scanning Initiative, said in a statement.

Pennsylvania-based ECRI, which is headquartered in Whitemarsh Township, just outside of Northwest Philadelphia, says it has a proven track record of building healthcare information systems and has worked with various governments, medical groups and industry organizations for more than 50 years.

ECRI says it has more than 5,000 customers across the globe.