BOSTON, April 17, 2023 – The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) today released a Final Evidence Report assessing the comparative clinical effectiveness and value of lecanemab for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
ICER’s report on these therapies was the subject of the March 2023 public meeting of the of the California Technology Assessment Forum (CTAF) one of ICER’s three independent evidence appraisal committees.
Downloads: Final Evidence Report | Report-at-a-Glance | Policy Recommendations
“Individuals and families dread Alzheimer’s disease, and the first therapy that effectively halts or reverses dementia will warrant a very high price in the US health system,” said David Rind, MD, ICER’s Chief Medical Officer. “Current evidence strongly suggests that lecanemab mildly slows the loss of cognition in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. However, given the risks of brain swelling and bleeding, particularly when lecanemab is used outside of clinical trials, our report concluded that significant uncertainties remain as to whether the average benefits of lecanemab will exceed its risks. A majority of the California Technology Assessment Forum was clearly unconvinced that the current evidence adequately demonstrates that lecanemab provides a net benefit to patients. In addition, using the best current data from the clinical trials, at its announced list price lecanemab exceeds typical thresholds for cost-effectiveness and, given the large number of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, it is particularly important that therapies for Alzheimer’s disease be priced in line with their value to patients.”
ICER’s Virtual Public Meeting: Voting Results on Clinical Effectiveness and Contextual Considerations
For adults with early Alzheimer’s disease (i.e., Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease and mild Alzheimer’s dementia):
ICER’s report on these therapies was the subject of the March 2023 public meeting of the of the California Technology Assessment Forum (CTAF) one of ICER’s three independent evidence appraisal committees.
Downloads: Final Evidence Report | Report-at-a-Glance | Policy Recommendations
“Individuals and families dread Alzheimer’s disease, and the first therapy that effectively halts or reverses dementia will warrant a very high price in the US health system,” said David Rind, MD, ICER’s Chief Medical Officer. “Current evidence strongly suggests that lecanemab mildly slows the loss of cognition in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. However, given the risks of brain swelling and bleeding, particularly when lecanemab is used outside of clinical trials, our report concluded that significant uncertainties remain as to whether the average benefits of lecanemab will exceed its risks. A majority of the California Technology Assessment Forum was clearly unconvinced that the current evidence adequately demonstrates that lecanemab provides a net benefit to patients. In addition, using the best current data from the clinical trials, at its announced list price lecanemab exceeds typical thresholds for cost-effectiveness and, given the large number of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, it is particularly important that therapies for Alzheimer’s disease be priced in line with their value to patients.”
ICER’s Virtual Public Meeting: Voting Results on Clinical Effectiveness and Contextual Considerations
For adults with early Alzheimer’s disease (i.e., Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease and mild Alzheimer’s dementia):
- A majority of panelists (12-3) found that current evidence is not adequate to demonstrate a net health benefit of lecanemab when compared to supportive care alone.