Drug Evaluation Committee Overview and Notes on Network Meta-Analysis Based on ISPOR report (2011)
Data Science Subcommittee
November 2019
The Drug Evaluation Committee's Data Science Subcommittee 2019 TF4 provides an overview and notes on network meta-analysis.
Network meta-analysis is a methodology that allows direct drug-to-drug comparisons (direct comparisons) as well as indirect drug-to-drug comparisons (indirect comparisons) for outcomes such as efficacy and safety of drugs, based on the results of multiple studies. In recent years, cases of indications have been reported, and the results are considered to be used as information for the formulation of treatment guidelines and medical policy decisions. On the other hand, there are some points to keep in mind when using this methodology, such as its complexity. This JPMA report provides an overview of network meta-analysis and explanation of points to keep in mind, referring to a report published by ISPOR (International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research) in 2011.