Final ICER report finds lack of evidence on RA drug value vs prices

The USA’s Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, (ICER), an independent not-for-profit organization, has released a Final Evidence Report and Meeting assessing the comparative clinical effectiveness and value of targeted immune modulators (TIMs) for treatment of moderately-to-severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

TIMs were evaluated alone or in combination with conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), as compared head-to-head or to conventional DMARDs alone. The review includes 11 TIMs, including two agents currently under regulatory review: the interleukin (IL)-6 inhibitor sarilumab (Kevzara, from Sanofi [Euronext: SAN] and Regeneron Nasdaq: REGN]) and the JAK inhibitor baricitinib (Olumiant, from Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY])..

“Since the late 1990s, TIMs have contributed to a revolutionary shift in how RA is treated. Evidence suggests these drugs are highly effective, and patients attest to their life-changing effects,” noted Steven Pearson, ICER’s president. “Their high costs, however, lead payers to institute step therapy and prior authorization requirements that are often based on the level of rebate provided and are difficult for both patients and physicians to navigate. Too many patients struggle to access the therapies they need and miss out on the advances in treatment that they provide. Our hope is that our report and public meeting will bring new perspectives to manufacturers, payers, and other stakeholders who can work towards a system in which we can reward innovation while ensuring that patients are able to access the treatment most clinically appropriate for their needs,” he added.