ICER updates value-based price benchmark for PCSK9 inhibitor Praluent

The USA-based Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) has released a Preliminary New Evidence Update for Praluent (alirocumab) based on results from the ODYSSEY outcomes trial presented at last weekend’s American College of Cardiology’s 2018 Scientific Session.

Under ICER’s established protocols accepting in-confidence data, an agreement with the drug’s developers, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: REGN) and partner Sanofi (Euronext: SAN) allowed ICER to evaluate the new evidence and, working with a team of academic faculty from the University of California, San Francisco, to update its cost-effectiveness analyses and associated value-based price benchmarks for this drug. The ICER’s value-based price benchmarks suggest a price range that aligns fairly with the added benefits of new treatment options for patients and the health care system.

“These new data demonstrate that alirocumab not only lowers levels of bad cholesterol but can also reduce deaths among a patient population with a recent history of an acute coronary event,” said Steven Pearson, president of the ICER. “Patients in the trial whose cholesterol levels remained high despite intensive use of statin drugs had the most benefit from treatment, and we have performed a separate analysis of a value-based price benchmark for this patient subset. We commend the Regeneron and Sanofi team for seeking an independent assessment of the new data and an updated cost-effectiveness evaluation to inform future negotiations with payers on a fair, value-based price. Insurers and health systems may need to consider how to manage short-term affordability constraints given the large number of patients eligible for treatment. Nonetheless, we believe that responsible pricing aligned with value will generate reciprocal action from payers to ensure appropriate access for patients today while sustaining broader affordability for patients and the health system in the long term.”