6 May 2016 - U.S. prices for newer multiple myeloma cancer treatments should be cut by as much as 94% to justify their value in terms of prolonging life, while there is not enough evidence to assess the benefit of some, according to an independent non-profit organization that evaluates the effectiveness of medicines.

The report has been criticized by some medical and patient groups for oversimplifying the complex decisions needed to best use new treatment options. The American Society of Hematology, for example, said in posted public comments that the "analysis has only limited value in determining the just price and utility of novel drugs."

The draft report evaluates regimens including Amgen Inc's Kyprolis, Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd's Ninlaro, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co and AbbVie Inc's Empliciti, Novartis AG's Farydak, Celgene Corp's Pomalyst and Johnson & Johnson's Darzalex. The analysis involved treatment for multiple myeloma patients whose disease did not respond to at least one previous therapy or relapsed after such treatment.

The Boston-based Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), with input from stakeholders including doctors, patients and insurers, assesses the value of high-priced drugs and other medical services in the United States.

For more details, go to: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-cancer-costs-idUSKCN0XX21H