Market and Management of Products in Pharmacy
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide in-depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical market, with a specific focus on the dynamics of market access for drugs and medical devices. It will cover key market access strategies, economic models for evaluating innovation, and the decision-making processes that govern purchasing and reimbursement at both national and regional levels. Another learning objective of the course is to familiarize students with the main categories of health-related products sold in pharmacies—such as cosmetics, food supplements, and foods for specific groups—as well as the relevant EU and national regulations concerning their production and commercialization.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will have developed a systemic understanding of how the pharmaceutical and medical device markets operate, with a particular focus on market access and reimbursement processes. They will be able to critically assess market access strategies, evaluate the economic models used for the introduction of healthcare products, and understand the purchasing dynamics at the regional level. Additionally, they will gain a comprehensive overview of the key economic and regulatory aspects of health products such as cosmetics and food items managed by pharmacies.
Lesson period: year
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
year
Course syllabus
Module 1
Introduction to the pharmaceutical market and health economics. Introduction to Market Access: from European authorisation (EMA) to access in Italy and the pricing and reimbursement pathway of medicines. The role of AIFA and pharmaceutical companies in the access of medicines and health technologies, from the regulatory stage to dispensing to the patient. The role of consulting firms in the health-economics field and the use of Health Technology Assessment. Economic tools for access: budget impact models and economic evaluations. Pharmacists between management, logistics and prescribing appropriateness. Professional opportunities in the field of access to medicines.
Module 2
Regulatory aspects of foods, with particular reference to: 1) the regulations concerning nutrition and health claims made on foods and novel foods and food ingredients; 2) the legislation on foods for specific groups; 3) food supplements, including products of botanical origin. The EU regulation on cosmetic products. The EU regulation on medical devices, with particular reference to substance-based medical devices.
Introduction to the pharmaceutical market and health economics. Introduction to Market Access: from European authorisation (EMA) to access in Italy and the pricing and reimbursement pathway of medicines. The role of AIFA and pharmaceutical companies in the access of medicines and health technologies, from the regulatory stage to dispensing to the patient. The role of consulting firms in the health-economics field and the use of Health Technology Assessment. Economic tools for access: budget impact models and economic evaluations. Pharmacists between management, logistics and prescribing appropriateness. Professional opportunities in the field of access to medicines.
Module 2
Regulatory aspects of foods, with particular reference to: 1) the regulations concerning nutrition and health claims made on foods and novel foods and food ingredients; 2) the legislation on foods for specific groups; 3) food supplements, including products of botanical origin. The EU regulation on cosmetic products. The EU regulation on medical devices, with particular reference to substance-based medical devices.
Prerequisites for admission
General knowledge in the pharmaceutical and pharmacological field. Basic knowledge of the Excel spreadsheet software. The knowledge required for admission to the degree programme also applies as a prerequisite.
Teaching methods
The course is delivered in presence (Type Alfa). Alongside teacher-led delivery (lectures), active teaching methods are adopted to foster engagement and interaction, in line with the expected learning outcomes, which require students to apply, analyse and evaluate. Module 1 - Pharmaceutical Market: lectures introducing the theoretical content and regulatory framework, combined with active methods: analysis of real cases (price and reimbursement negotiations, regional access, company policies) discussed in class; guided exercises on economic access tools (budget impact models and economic evaluations) using a spreadsheet; small-group work with in-class presentation and discussion of results; contributions from external sector experts. Module 2 - Presentation and regulation of health-related products: lectures with reasoned analysis of regulatory application cases on real products. Attendance: optional.
Teaching Resources
Module 1
Lecture slides and supplementary readings provided by the lecturer and external experts, uploaded on MyAriel. AIFA documentation, HTA guidelines and negotiation criteria.
Module 2
Lecture materials made available by the lecturer and uploaded on MyAriel.
Lecture slides and supplementary readings provided by the lecturer and external experts, uploaded on MyAriel. AIFA documentation, HTA guidelines and negotiation criteria.
Module 2
Lecture materials made available by the lecturer and uploaded on MyAriel.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment is carried out separately for the two modules and the final mark is calculated as the average of the marks obtained in each. For both modules, the discussion — oral or through a slide presentation — of a case study is required. The final assessment is based on the discussion of the selected topic (70%) and on attendance and active participation in class (30%). The mark is expressed out of thirty.
Assessment criteria include: command of the content, the ability to apply economic and regulatory tools to concrete cases, critical reasoning skills and the quality of presentation, including the use of specialist terminology.
Assessment criteria include: command of the content, the ability to apply economic and regulatory tools to concrete cases, critical reasoning skills and the quality of presentation, including the use of specialist terminology.
CHIM/09 - PHARMACEUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS OF CHEMISTRY - University credits: 8
Lessons: 64 hours
Professor:
Marcellusi Andrea
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Marcellusi AndreaProfessor(s)