Positive ICER final report on hemophilia A treatment Hemlibra

The US Institute for Clinical and Economic Review has released a Final Evidence Report and Report-at-a-Glance on Hemlibra (emicizumab), from Roche (ROG: SIX) subsidiary Genentech, for the prevention of bleeds (prophylaxis) in a subset of individuals with hemophilia A who have inhibitors to the clotting protein Factor VIII.

The ICER’s report was reviewed at a public meeting of the New England Comparative Effectiveness Public Advisory Council (new England CEPAC), where a majority of the Council voted that evidence suggests a net health benefit of emicizumab compared to either no prophylaxis or prophylaxis with bypassing agents, therapies commonly used in patients with inhibitors. The Council also emphasized the drug’s benefits beyond those captured in clinical trials, including simpler therapy administration, reduced caregiver burden, and patients’ increased ability to participate in work, school, or other activities.

In addition to the benefits that emicizumab offers patients, the ICER’s report also found that the drug lowers overall costs of treatment for patients with hemophilia A and inhibitors as compared to current therapies.