January 5, 2016 – The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) will develop a report comparing drug therapies for multiple myeloma  as the topic for the inaugural public meeting in May 2016 of the Midwest Comparative Effectiveness Public Advisory Council (Midwest CEPAC).

ICER’s report will include a systematic review of the comparative clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of treatments for “relapsed” multiple myeloma (i.e., disease that is progressing following initial therapy). For newer treatment regimens the report will also include value-based price benchmarks that present price ranges that reflect the comparative benefits of new drugs and their affordability for the overall health care system. The specific scope for the report, including a complete list of the drugs to be reviewed, will be announced in a draft document scheduled to be released on February 5, 2016.

Midwest CEPAC convenes three times a year with public meetings to discuss ICER evidence reports, gather input on policy implications from stakeholders, and vote upon the strength of evidence on the effectiveness and value of new drugs. The group also helps frame recommendations for how the existing evidence can best be interpreted to guide clinical practice and coverage policy.

During the public meeting of the Midwest CEPAC the Council will deliberate and vote on the comparative clinical effectiveness and value of each of the multiple myeloma treatment options assessed.  The Council will also discuss the implications of the votes for clinical practice and coverage policy during a policy roundtable discussion involving experts in the field, insurers, and patients.  The goal of the roundtable is to provide clarity and guidance to patients, clinicians, insurers, and policymakers on how best to apply the best existing evidence in decisions about coverage policy, patient education, and clinical guidelines.

From the initial scoping document through multiple drafts and the public meeting of the Midwest CEPAC, all stakeholders will have multiple opportunities to offer comments to ensure that the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the considerations and issues of greatest importance.

Meeting details and registration information will be posted to the ICER website as they become available.

 About ICER

The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) is an independent non-profit research institute that produces reports analyzing the evidence on the effectiveness and value of drugs and other medical services.  ICER’s reports include evidence-based calculations of prices for new drugs that accurately reflect the degree of improvement expected in long-term patient outcomes while also highlighting price levels that might contribute to unaffordable short-term cost growth for the overall health care system.  ICER’s reports incorporate extensive input from all stakeholders and are the subject of public hearings through three core programs: the California Technology Assessment Forum (CTAF), the Midwest Comparative Effectiveness Public Advisory Council (Midwest CEPAC) and the New England Comparative Effectiveness Public Advisory Council (New England CEPAC). These independent panels review ICER’s reports at public meetings to deliberate on the evidence and develop recommendations for how patients, clinicians, insurers, and policymakers can improve the quality and value of health care. For more information about ICER, please visit ICER’s website.