The Payer Exchange Podcast Episode 3: ITALY - Fabrizio Gianfrate on Rare Disease Access, Price Trade-Offs, and Payment Over Time
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In this episode, Omar Ali speaks with Professor Fabrizio Gianfrate, a voting member of AIFA (the Italian Medicines Agency) and a long-standing voice in European health economics and policy.
The discussion highlights Italy’s relatively positive access environment for rare disease treatments—contrasted with the pricing trade-offs manufacturers may need to accept. Fabrizio also addresses the structural limitations of Italy’s financial governance, and how this affects the country’s ability to implement payment-over-time models or innovative contracting.
It’s a nuanced conversation that sheds light on a market often perceived as opaque, but which offers valuable lessons on access strategy, fiscal policy, and real-world system constraints.
“Italy may offer fast access for rare disease—but not always at the price manufacturers want.”
About The Payer Exchange
The Payer Exchange is a podcast from Verpora that explores how payers around the world are navigating complex pricing and access decisions. Hosted by Omar Ali, Verpora’s Head of Payers, each episode features a one-to-one conversation with a payer from a different healthcare system—offering direct insight into the practical realities of drug funding, reimbursement, and health system sustainability.
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Disclaimer: This presentation is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as legal or policy advice. This presentation is based on non-confidential intelligence. Views expressed by the speakers are personal opinions and should not be attributed to anyone else. No part of this presentation may be reproduced for commercial purposes without the express permission of Verpora.
