Dendreon vs. CMS: "Full Coverage" or the CED Solution?
This article was originally published in RPM Report
Executive Summary
A Medicare advisory committee brought few surprises for Dendreon’s prostate cancer therapy Provenge. Will CMS provide full coverage for Provenge or will it restrict use through coverage with evidence development?
You may also be interested in...
FDA-CMS Parallel Review Pilot Will Be Extended; Drugs Not The Focus
CMS remains open to the idea of using parallel review (or, less formal parallel advice) for prescription drugs, but the current and future focus of the pilot program is likely to stay on devices and diagnostics.
Upheaval And Opportunity Reshape The Oncology Market
Changing dynamics in oncology, from increasing availability of generics to payors' unapologetic cost-consciousness, are influencing companies of all sizes. Recent ch biostart-up financings show support is available to those positioned to deliver value for money. In this issue we profile Cyterix Pharmaceuticals, Polaris Group, Tesaro, Tocagen, Tragara Pharmaceuticals and VentiRx Pharmaceuticals.
Teenage Wasteland: Paying for New Drugs and Other "Adolescent" Technologies
The debate over comparative effectiveness research has focused heavily on standards of evidence to judge the relative value of different therapies and standards for when and how conclusions should drive coverage policy. Less attention has been paid to a more fundamental question: when should the value determination be made. CMS’ top coverage official has an idea that would radically change that process.