Argentina will examine the use of expedited approvals for expensive medications

The government of Argentina announced Monday that, as part of a larger overhaul of its healthcare policy, it will examine the use of fast-track authorizations for expensive medications and mandate that future vaccine trials include a placebo test group.

“The Ministry of Health will propose to discuss the use of this type of authorization for very high-cost drugs, especially those intended for children and rare diseases,” a statement from the ministry read. “Innovation cannot justify hasty decisions without solid evidence.”

According to the statement, technical discussions on approval standards that put patient safety and system sustainability first would be opened.

A placebo group will be included in scientific trials for vaccines, the government added, “as a minimum standard.”

It went on to declare that “to review is not to deny,” stating that the goal of the strategy was to increase public trust and scientific rigor.