Public comment is being sought on the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review’s (ICER) recently posted draft protocol titled the “Unsupported Price Increase” (UPI) report. This report analyzes significant prescription drug increases and looks to determine whether or not new clinical evidence exists that could be used to support those increases. Once finalized, the protocol will guide the development of the first of these annual reports, currently scheduled for release in October 2019.
The comment period closes on February 13, 2019.
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. They are quietly becoming a strong influential force on government policy. The recent announcement of ICER’s collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Pharmacy Benefits Management (PBM) Services to support VA coverage and price negotiations with drug manufacturers makes it clear that their influence on drug pricing will only continue to increase in the future.
If you are a manufacturer, GPO, wholesaler or similarly situated life science or healthcare stakeholder, it is imperative that you participate to ensure having your voice heard. Contact Frier Levitt Government Affairs today for assistance in submitting your comments for this very important policy development before the upcoming deadline.