Posted by Michael Wonder on 06 Mar 2017
ICER's final report on disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis finds most drugs are over-priced in relation to benefits for patients; highlights need for stakeholder collaboration to address system issues
6 March 2017 - Key policy recommendations call on manufacturers to cease price increases and payers to ease coverage restrictions and lower out-of-pocket costs if drug prices align with benefits.
The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) has released a Final Evidence Report and Meeting Summary on the comparative clinical effectiveness and value of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for treatment of relapsing-remitting and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (RRMS and PPMS).
"Evidence on DMTs for MS shows that they offer important clinical benefits for patients in terms of reduced relapse rates and delayed disability progression," stated ICER's President Steven D. Pearson, MD, MSc. ICER's analysis found, however, that prices of the drugs do not align with the benefits they provide to patients, contributing to pervasive access problems and large financial burdens for patients with a lifelong disease.
"We agree with the view expressed by many patients and patient groups: despite important treatment advances, the health care system is broken for MS patients. High prices and regular price increases contribute significantly to restrictions on coverage and access that make it difficult for patients to get the medications they need. It will take concerted effort on the part of all stakeholders to bring prices into alignment with each drug's clinical benefit, ease coverage restrictions once prices have come down, and move towards a system that better meets the needs of the diverse population of individuals living with MS."
