Interventions of Interest

  • Imetelstat (Rytelo, Geron Corporation)

An independent appraisal committee voted that the current evidence is not adequate to demonstrate net health benefits for imetelstat added to best supportive care when compared to best supportive care alone.

Imetelstat would meet common thresholds of cost effectiveness if priced between $94,800 to $113,000 per year. The therapy currently priced at approximately $365,000 per year.

Final Documents

ICER’s Chief Scientific Officer and Director of Health Technology Assessment Methods and Engagement, Dan Ollendorf, PhD, MPH stated:

“MDS-associated anemia requires frequent blood transfusions, which pose a significant burden for patients and their caregivers. While current data suggest that imetelstat may reduce or eliminate the need for transfusion in some patients, there is no evidence of its effect on the trajectory of MDS itself, there are key side effects of concern, and perhaps most importantly, the price set by the company is far out of line with the modest short term benefit suggested by the clinical trials, especially given the uncertainty regarding those results. Such excessive pricing may in fact limit patient access to this new treatment option.”

For questions please contact info@icer.org.

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