The Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Information (PPRI) initiative—Experiences from engaging with pharmaceutical policy makers

• The PPRI network engages with policy makers in charge of pharmaceutical policies.
• PPRI network members actively contribute by providing data and sharing experiences.
• Trust-building and a common understanding are key prerequisites for cooperation.
• The organisational framework of PPRI changed in the course of the years.
• The policy makers are committed to PPRI as they see an added value for their work.

ObjectiveTo present the Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Information (PPRI) initiative, as an illustrative example of an engagement with policy makers in the field of pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement.MethodsThe paper is based on internal assessments and feed-back from the involved policy makers as well as an external evaluation.ResultsPPRI is a network of around 70 institutions, mainly public authorities for pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement information from 41, mostly European, countries. It evolved from a European Commission co-funded project in 2005–2007 into a self-funded Member States borne initiative. The first years of PPRI were characterized by trust-building and developing a joint understanding and language. In the initial stages, country reports, so-called ‘Pharma Profiles’, written by policy makers, were among the most important deliverables. In the course of time, ad-hoc queries which require immediate, brief and precise answers have gained importance. PPRI is predominantly an internal network for and with policy makers; it is not a policy-making body.ConclusionsAfter nearly one decade of existence, the PPRI network appears to be a sustainable network. Policy makers are committed to provide and share data and to contribute to the network as they have an added value for their daily work from access to evidence and the exchange of information and experience with fellow colleagues from other countries. The change in organisation from a research project to an independent networking initiative offers flexibility to react quickly to current challenges, but implies limited funding for the research agenda.