Frontier Award
in Value Assessment

Although a relatively new area of research, value assessment has become increasingly important as the U.S. moves toward a value-based health care system. Value assessment frameworks are tools for evaluating the relative benefits and costs of health care interventions. While a variety of frameworks exist, some have yet to be applied in a real-world context or evaluated using empirical studies.

To advance the field, we need to assess whether these frameworks can reliably guide value assessment, incorporate relevant diverse elements of value, and identify appropriate patient-centered outcomes. Value assessment frameworks can influence the evidence generation process. In particular, the application of these frameworks provides an opportunity for partnerships between stakeholders including patients, researchers, and health care providers.

The Frontier Award seeks research proposals for empirical studies that apply a published value assessment framework to determine the value of a health care intervention, such as a drug, device, or other health-related technology. Submissions that propose novel approaches to patient-centered value assessment (e.g., expand beyond traditional quality-adjusted survival outcomes) are desired. Projects that involve data collected from patients, utilize real-world data sources, or incorporate health preference evidence are particularly welcomed. Projects that propose methodological advances with no clearly defined patient-partnered data component will not be considered.

Award Expectations

• Inclusion of patient-reported clinical and/or economic measures
• Meaningful engagement with a patient group or group of patients
• Empirical study culminating in peer-reviewed publication(s) and presentations

• Eligible applicants (U.S. and non-U.S. citizens) must be employed full time at an accredited U.S. university.
• Co-principal investigators are allowed. Please clearly define both roles and indicate which investigator is the primary investigator. The Foundation will pay the award to only one institution, that of the primary investigator. If funds need to be transferred to another institution, that is the responsibility of the awarded PI’s institution.
• Applicants must demonstrate a firm commitment to partner with at least one patient group or group of patients for their project.
• Applicants must be eligible to apply for independent external research funding from their institution.
• Previous PhRMA Foundation Value Assessment Centers of Excellence principal investigators are ineligible.

• This award provides $500,000 over a three-year period, distributed on a quarterly basis.
• Funding is conditional upon the awardee’s continued employment with the university, which will be assessed on a quarterly basis prior to payment. Payments will be made directly to the university on behalf of the awardee, with the understanding the university will administer the funds.
• If partnering with a patient group(s), the Foundation expects the partnering patient group(s) to receive some funding from this $500,000 award. These budgeted monies can be paid from the institution or the Foundation. (Monies to the partnering patient group(s) is contingent upon the awardee’s continued employment with the university.)
• A maximum of 20% of the award may be used for indirect institutional and/or fringe benefits. No more than $100,000 total may be used for these combined allowances over the three-year award.
• Funding is contingent upon the PhRMA Foundation receiving progress reports every six months and yearly financial reports. Progress reports will be reviewed by the Foundation’s scientific advisory committee to confirm satisfactory progress is being achieved.
• Any changes to the proposed project must be approved by the PhRMA Foundation.
• Funding may begin as early as December 1, 2023, or on the first day of any month thereafter, up to and including April 1, 2024.
• Unspent funds are to be returned to the PhRMA Foundation upon the grant’s conclusion.
• These funds are non-transferrable.