Rituximab Gets Nod in ICER MS Report — and It's Not FDA-Approved for MS Payers should remove barriers to rituximab prescriptions for multiple sclerosis (MS) even though it has not been approved by the FDA as a treatment for MS, says the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER). Rituximab is cheaper and just as effective as the other monoclonal antibodies used to treat MS, says an ICER report that came out today. Citing lack of evidence of difference among the monoclonal antibodies used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) said in a report today that payers should remove barriers to access to rituximab, including three biosimilars of the drug. Rituximab has not approved by the FDA as treatment for MS but is prescribed off-label for the disease and works to damp down inflammation in the way that is similar to monoclonal antibodies that have approved as MS treatments, including Ocrevus (ocrelizumab), Kesimpta (ofatumumab) and recently approved Briumvi (ublituximab). The report touches on the increasingly controversial topic of formulary placement and rebates: “Payers should not be swayed by rebates for more expensive, branded monoclonal antibodies when tiering (monoclonal antibodies).” Broader use of rituximab as a treatment for MS could lead to better health outcomes, reduce financial toxicity and narrow health inequities, the report says. ICER suggest that clinical specialty groups such as the American Academy of Neurology change their treatment guidelines to “make clear that off-label rituximab is reasonable first option for treatment” and that include information on efficacy, harm and cost information on rituximab and its biosimilars. The ICER warns against switching patients to rituximab unilaterally. The report points to a switching program at Kaiser Permanente that was is voluntary and involves extensive coordination and communication with clinicians and patients. Complete article:
https://www.managedhealthcareexecuti...pproved-for-ms
https://www.managedhealthcareexecuti...pproved-for-ms