ICER’s Latest: A draft evidence report on medications for obesity management
On July 13, 2022 2021, ICER released its draft evidence report, “Medications for Obesity Management.” This is the first step in ICER’s process that is expected to conclude with the release of a final report in October 2022. ICER’s report reviews four medicines...
ICER’s Latest: Draft Evidence Report on New ALS Treatments
On June 14, 2022, ICER released its draft evidence report, “AMX0035 and Oral Edaravone for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.” This is the first step in ICER's review process. A final evidence report is expected to be released in mid-September. Background on ALS...
FTC Investigating Pharmacy Benefit Managers for Practices Impacting Patient Access
Earlier this month, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that it had launched a new inquiry into business practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Specifically, the the five-member commission said that it would "scrutinize the impact of vertically...
New Study: FDA consistently approves cancer treatments faster than its counterparts in Europe
Over the past decade, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has significantly outpaced the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in approving new cancer treatments. This is according to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open. The study included a cross-sectional...
Recommended Reading: Why So Slow? Legislators Take on Insurers’ Delays in Approving Prescribed Treatments
Andrew Bade, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes nearly two decades ago, is accustomed to all the medical gear he needs to keep his blood sugar under control. His insulin pump contains a disposable insulin cartridge, and a plastic tubing system with an adhesive...
ICER’s Latest: A draft evidence report on new treatment for Beta Thalassemia
On April 13, 2022, ICER released its draft evidence report, “Betibeglogene Autotemcel for Beta Thalassemia.” This is the first step in ICER’s review process; ICER is scheduled to release a final report on this treatment in July 2022. Beta thalassemia is a disease...
Businesses With High-Value, Low-Cost Health Insurance Receive First-Ever Health Plan Hero Awards
Six small businesses from across the country were among the first companies ever to receive a national award for their innovative, outstanding employer-sponsored health program. The companies received the 2022 Health Plan Hero award in a ceremony recently held in the...
More of the Same: ICER’s latest salvo on rare diseases
Earlier this month, ICER released a white paper titled “The Next Generation of Rare Disease Drug Policy: Ensuring Both Innovation and Affordability.” If you have been monitoring ICER’s work over the years, the paper likely matches your expectations. Ostensibly, the...
Event: Health Plan Heroes Awards Program and Roundtable
Patients Rising's first annual Health Plan Heroes event will honor companies that have adopted innovative benefit design for their employees. In addition, a panel of experts will have a roundtable discussion on ways for employers to enhance patient access to care as...
Last Word: ICER’s Premature Assessment of New Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes
In mid-February, ICER released a Final Evidence Report on tirzepatide, a new insulin treatment for Type 2 diabetes (T2D). After following its normal process - including preliminary drafts and public comments - ICER concluded the new medication works better than the...