ICER has released a report on three therapies for multiple myeloma: belantamab mafodotin blmf from Blenrep™ and GlaxoSmithKline, idecabtagene vicleucel from Bristol-Myers Squibb and bluebird bio, and ciltacabtagene autoleucel from Janssen and Legend biotech. Belantamab mafodotin blmf is an antibody drug conjugate where a B-cell maturation antigen is attached to a cytotoxic drug. The second and third therapies are CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) T-cell therapies. The report includes information regarding effectiveness of the drugs as well as their cost effectiveness. Although many therapies for multiple myeloma exist, the high number of relapsing patients makes new therapies necessary and timely. In addition, patients note a high cost-burden with existing therapies.
According to the report, “Patients spoke about the burden of symptoms from both MM and its available treatments. Common symptoms of disease include fatigue, which can be overwhelming, and bony pain. Symptoms of the current treatments vary by medication, but frequently mentioned bothersome side effects include neuropathy as well as insomnia and psychosis from dexamethasone. Patients also noted substantial financial burden with annual out-of-pocket costs exceeding $10,000.” Read the report here.
(Source: ICER, 2/11/21)
