Dose optimisation and scarce resource allocation: two sides of the same coin

BMJ Open. 2022 Oct 12;12(10):e063436. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063436.

Abstract

Objective: A deep understanding of the relationship between a scarce drug's dose and clinical response is necessary to appropriately distribute a supply-constrained drug along these lines.

Summary of key data: The vast majority of drug development and repurposing during the COVID-19 pandemic - an event that has made clear the ever-present scarcity in healthcare systems -has been ignorant of scarcity and dose optimisation's ability to help address it.

Conclusions: Future pandemic clinical trials systems should obtain dose optimisation data, as these appear necessary to enable appropriate scarce resource allocation according to societal values.

Keywords: CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY; COVID-19; Clinical trials; MEDICAL ETHICS; Public health; Rationing.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Health Care Rationing
  • Humans
  • Pandemics*