Formularies are used by payers to optimize access and ensure the appropriate use of medications. Lack of follow-up and re-evaluation can lead to outdated formularies that are not reflective of current evidence. Formulary modernization, an approach to re-align formularies with current evidence has proven successful. The Ontario Drug Policy Research Network (ODPRN) launched a framework for conducting comprehensive drug-class reviews. This commentary describes the individual components of this framework and lessons learned through completion of 12 reviews between 2013 and 2016. We present the ODPRN drug-class review of treatments for chronic hepatitis B as a case example to illustrate the components and impact. The incorporation of foundational health technology assessment components such as economic evaluations and knowledge synthesis with contextualizing evidence such as patient and clinician perspectives (through qualitative studies), real-world evidence (through data analytics), and cross-jurisdictional comparisons (through environmental scans and data analytics), successfully developed jurisdictionally specific policy recommendations grounded in up-to-date evidence. The ODPRN framework for conducting comprehensive drug-class reviews is a robust and feasible approach to conduct formulary modernization. This framework allows for actionable and specific policies which are likely to be considered by decision makers. Adoption of similar frameworks in other jurisdictions may improve uptake of evidence-informed policy recommendations.

Background: Several countries have developed policy frameworks allowing timely access to promising health technologies on the condition that additional evidence is generated. However, an important barrier to evidence generation is the lack of structured collaboration among health technology assessment (HTA) agencies.

Objectives: One of the aims of Work Package 7 (WP7) of the European network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA) Project was to determine the types of structured collaboration that could facilitate evidence generation and to develop a Web-based toolkit to support such collaboration.

Methods: Collaboration modalities were defined by all WP7 Partners. Initial emphasis was on information sharing. Standardized forms for information sharing were developed and tested. An information technology development phase followed with the creation of the Web-based toolkit (Web site).

Results: Three levels of collaboration were agreed on: (i) sharing information, (ii) coordinated action, and (iii) joint action. The Web site allows access to structured and standardized forms for requesting information, posting information in response to a request, and posting information spontaneously. An online database contains all of the information requested or posted. Pilot tests on twenty-one promising technologies were satisfactory.

Conclusions: This new Web site for sharing information on evidence generation should help countries reach robust decisions on the timely adoption of promising health technologies. It will only become fully operational if EUnetHTA Partners supply relevant, accurate, and updated information, and regularly use the Web site.