Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care

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Medicine put to the test

The independent Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (Institut für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen, IQWiG) examines the benefits and harms of medical interventions for patients. We provide information about the advantages and disadvantages of examination and treatment methods in the form of scientific reports and easily understandable health information.

European benefit assessment of medicinal products

Since early 2025, EU countries have been cooperating more closely in the assessment of new medicinal products under the EU HTA procedure, the European benefit assessment. The aim is to provide Member States with a scientifically sound basis for decisions in their health systems. IQWiG is currently involved in three procedures as an assessor and in another one as a co-assessor.

Press releases

08.10.2025

Evidence in need - how science reaches politics

Press release

18.09.2025

First EU HTAs with IQWiG involvement launched

The Institute is involved in four oncology drug assessments as an assessor or co-assessor.

Press release

12.08.2025

Impact of US policy on information retrieval: options for the worst-case scenario

In a paper coordinated with the G-BA and Cochrane Germany, IQWiG examines how scientific information retrieval could be conducted if the US PubMed ...

Press release

30.07.2025

Methods for the collection of routine practice data for new drugs

Comments on the preliminary rapid report are requested by 19 August 2025.

Press release

Show all IQWiG press releases

Easily understandable information for the general public

InformedHealth.org is the English-language version of the German website Gesundheitsinformation.de. By publishing this bilingual website, IQWiG fulfils part of its legal mandate to inform the general public about health issues. By offering a wide range of different topics, the website addresses both patients and (healthy) consumers.

Acne

Most teenagers will have pimples at some point. Severe acne can be very distressing. But there are a number of things that can help, although it usually takes a while to see results.

Styes and chalazia (inflammation of the eyelid)

Styes and chalazia are common and can occur at any age. The eyelid is swollen because a gland at the edge of the eyelid has become inflamed. If bacteria are involved, the swelling may develop very quickly and hurt. Styes and chalazia usually go away on their own.