The prices of 7 drugs were hiked without proof of new benefits

During 2020, drug makers raised prices on seven widely used medicines by substantial amounts without any new clinical evidence to justify the increases, leading patients and health insurers in the U.S. to spend an additional $1.67 billion last year, according to a new analysis.

Much of the added spending was attributed to just one drug – AbbVie’s (ABBV) Humira treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and other ailments. The price rose by 9.6%, after rebates and discounts, which led to an extra $1.4 billion in spending had the price not been raised, according to the analysis by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, a nonprofit that mostly assesses the cost effectiveness of new medicines. Unlock this article by subscribing to STAT+ and enjoy your first 30 days free! GET STARTED STAT+ is STAT’s premium subscription service for in-depth biotech, pharma, policy, and life science coverage and analysis. Our award-winning team covers news on Wall Street, policy developments in Washington, early science breakthroughs and clinical trial results, and health care disruption in Silicon Valley and beyond. What’s included? Daily reporting and analysis The most comprehensive industry coverage from a powerhouse team of reporters Subscriber-only newsletters Daily newsletters to brief you on the most important industry news of the day STAT+ Conversations Weekly opportunities to engage with our reporters and leading industry experts in live video conversations Exclusive industry events Premium access to subscriber-only networking events around the country The best reporters in the industry The most trusted and well-connected newsroom in the health care industry And much more Exclusive interviews with industry leaders, profiles, and premium tools, like our CRISPR Trackr. This name will appear with your comment
https://www.statnews.com/pharmalot/2021/11/16/icer-clinical-evidence-abbvie-humira-drug-prices/