8 September 2015 - The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) has released a new draft report, titled PCSK9 Inhibitor Therapies for High Cholesterol: Effectiveness, Value, and Value-Based Price Benchmarks. The report includes a comprehensive review of currently available evidence on the newly approved PCSK9 inhibitors alirocumab (Praluent, Regeneron/Sanofi) and evolocumab (Repatha, Amgen), and also provides analyses of cost-effectiveness and potential budget impact under different utilization assumptions. Based on these findings the report presents the draft ICER value-based price benchmark for these drugs; prices that reflect the magnitude of estimated improvements in long-term patient outcomes and a threshold for new drug costs that does not exceed growth in the overall national economy.

It has been estimated that as many as 3.5-15 million Americans with elevated cholesterol may be eligible and considered for treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors. But there is remaining uncertainty about interpretation of the existing evidence on the clinical effectiveness of these drugs for different types of patients. In addition, with a list price over $14,000 per year there are serious questions regarding the price at which these drugs would represent a sensible value to patients and to the health care system.

“Patients, clinicians, insurers – everyone needs good information in order to make the best decisions about the use and pricing of new drugs,” Steven D. Pearson, MD, MSc, the Founder and President of ICER noted. “Our goal is to meet that need and in doing so not shy away from analyzing cost-effectiveness and potential budget impact.”

For more details, go to: http://www.icer-review.org/pcsk9-draft-report-release/