ICER revised report on obesity management treatments

The USA’s Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) today posted its revised  Evidence Report assessing the comparative clinical effectiveness and value of subcutaneous semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy by Denmark’s Novo Nordisk (NOV: N), liraglutide, also from the Danish company and marketed as Saxenda, phentermine/topiramate, sold as Qsymia by Vivus Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: VVUS), and bupropion/naltrexone, marketed as Contrave by Currax Pharma, for the treatment of obesity.

“The vast majority of people with obesity cannot achieve sustained weight loss through diet and exercise alone,” said Dr David Rind, the ICER’s chief medical officer. “As such, obesity, and its resulting physical health, mental health, and social burdens is not a choice or failing, but a medical condition. The development of safe and effective medications for the treatment of obesity has long been a goal of medical research that now appears to be coming to fruition. With a condition affecting more than 40% of adults in the US, the focus should be on assuring that these medications are priced in alignment with their benefits so that they are accessible and affordable across US society,” he added.

The report will be reviewed at a virtual public meeting of the New England CEPAC on September 16, 2022. The New England CEPAC is one of ICER’s three independent evidence appraisal committees comprising medical evidence experts, practicing clinicians, methodologists, and leaders in patient engagement and advocacy.