Rare Disease Day Spotlights Need for Research

Rare Disease Day brings international attention to the plight of patients who struggle with ALS, Gaucher disease, cystic fibrosis and other less common conditions.  This year’s theme is research, a challenge for any disease state but especially for conditions with small patient populations.

Why ICER’s Model Doesn’t Work for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review has issued a draft report concluding that targeted immune modulators, such as biologic treatments, for rheumatoid arthritis are too expensive. The conclusion could embolden health plans to limit patient access.

But does ICER’s model accurately reflect the experiences of the 1.5 million Americans with rheumatoid arthritis?

Does ICER’s Model Work for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments?

The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review’s newest cost-effectiveness report underscores just how far economic modeling sometimes diverges from patients’ reality, explained the Institute for Patient Access in a February 17 letter.  The report analyzes rheumatoid arthritis treatments’ value by modeling expenses for simulated patients over a lifetime on certain treatments.

Rising Cancer Survivorship Brings New Policy Challenges

More patients are living longer with cancer – and that’s good news.  But some face policies, health care providers and workplaces that are unprepared to support survivors.  So explained a February webinar, “Global Cancer Survivorship: The Need for Integrative Care,” sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb.