September 16, 2016 – The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) has updated its timeline for a review of disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS). As part of ICER’s commitment to ensuring that all perspectives are heard in the development of its reports, we have expanded the public comment period for the Draft Evidence Report, set to be released on November 22, 2016. Previously scheduled for three weeks, the public comment period will now run for four weeks to allow added time for stakeholder input. Based on the extension, the updated Evidence Report will be posted on or about January 26, 2016. This Evidence Report will form the basis for discussion at the February 2017 meeting of the California Technology Assessment Forum (CTAF).

ICER’s report will look at drug therapies for relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), as well as for primary progressive MS (PPMS). An initial draft scoping document outlines ICER’s plan of research for RRMS; an addendum to the initial draft scoping document outlines ICER’s decision to add PPMS to the scope of the review. Both documents were open to a public comment period, during which ICER received valuable input from patients, clinicians, manufacturers, and other stakeholders. Based on comments received, both documents were updated, and revised versions of both the scoping document and the addendum to the scoping document are available.

For more information about the report and meeting, please visit ICER’s website.

Upcoming Dates:

  • November 22, 2016: Draft Evidence Report Posted
  • November 22-December 21, 2016: Public comment on Draft Evidence Report
  • January 26, 2017: Evidence Report Posted
  • February 16, 2017: Public meeting of CTAF. Date subject to change.
  • On or about February 24, 2017: Final Evidence Report and Meeting Summary
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.