Institut für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen
Encyclopedia
IQWiG, the Institut für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen (Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Healthcare), is a German agency responsible for assessing the quality and efficiency of medical treatments, including drugs, non-drug interventions (e.g. surgical procedures), diagnostic and screening methods, and treatment and disease management. IQWiG also supplies health information to patients and the general community.
The organization is independent of the pharmaceuticals industry, contracted solely by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Joint Federal Committee.
IQWiG is divided into the following departments, which publish reports:
General health information, written in plain language, is additionally produced by a Health Information department.
These departments are also supported by Administration and Communication departments.
as inefficient and harmful.
Similarly, in September 2010, another study rebuffed the use of Venlafaxine and Duloxetine
as first-line treatment in major depression, but recommend them as a second line option.
The use of Memantine in Alzheimer's patients was deemed as insufficiently supported by scientific evidence. This led Merz to publish additional studies, and the Institute to change its mind.
Insulin analogues were deemed as not superior to human insulin for the treatment of type I diabetes.
The organization is independent of the pharmaceuticals industry, contracted solely by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Joint Federal Committee.
Structure
IQWiG was founded in 2004 under the directorship of Dr Peter Sawicki, who was in September 2010 replaced by Dr Jürgen Windeler. Its deputy director is Dr Stefan Lange.IQWiG is divided into the following departments, which publish reports:
- Drug Assessment
- Non-Drug Interventions
- Quality of Health Care
- Medical Biometry
- Health Economics
General health information, written in plain language, is additionally produced by a Health Information department.
These departments are also supported by Administration and Communication departments.
Most noticed reports
IQWiG hit international headlines in October 2010 with a report slamming ReboxetineReboxetine
Reboxetine is a drug marketed as an antidepressant for use in the treatment of clinical depression, panic disorder and ADD/ADHD, developed by Pharmacia . Its mesylate salt is sold under tradenames including Edronax, Norebox, Prolift, Solvex, Davedax or Vestra...
as inefficient and harmful.
Similarly, in September 2010, another study rebuffed the use of Venlafaxine and Duloxetine
Duloxetine
Duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor manufactured and marketed by Eli Lilly. It is effective for major depressive disorder and has been shown to be as effective as venlafaxine for generalized anxiety disorder...
as first-line treatment in major depression, but recommend them as a second line option.
The use of Memantine in Alzheimer's patients was deemed as insufficiently supported by scientific evidence. This led Merz to publish additional studies, and the Institute to change its mind.
Insulin analogues were deemed as not superior to human insulin for the treatment of type I diabetes.