CER Daily Newsfeed

Value Viewpoint: May 8, 2026

(5/8, Kimberly Westrich, LinkedIn) comments “New research published in the Journal of Managed Care& Specialty Pharmacy from my NPC colleagues Tyler Wagner and Jon Campbell shares consensus principles and practices for innovative contracts tied to gene therapy outcomes and payment. Methods included a literature review, 15 stakeholder interviews, and a 12-person multistakeholder convening, resulting in eight consensus principles and seven consensus practices: Consider contracting-relevant endpoints during phase 3 trials, Align measures with patient, payer, and provider priorities, Minimize manual data collection, Match contract duration to expected treatment effects, Avoid added patient costs, and Build in clear data-sharing, review, and evaluation processes.” Full

Editor's Highlights from the Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research – May 2026

(5/11, Laura Dormer, The Evidence Base) reports “...The use of broader, patient-centered approaches to health technology assessment (HTA) remains an area of active debate within healthcare decision-making. In this Editorial, Westrich (National Pharmaceutical Council, USA) and colleagues critically examine the inaugural report from the HEMA group, a collaboration involving the Institute for Clinical & Economic Review (ICER), Canada's Drug Agency (CDA-AMC) and England's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The authors argue that the report reinforces traditional HTA approaches rather than advancing more comprehensive value assessment methods that better capture patient and societal benefits.” Full

New Study to Help Inform Patient, Physician Choices for Sleep Apnea Treatment

(5/11, Steve Benowitz, The University of Arizona News) reports “A five-year, nearly $14 million award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, or PCORI, will support a University of Arizona-led clinical trial comparing three common treatments for obstructive sleep apnea...The three treatments include CPAP, which delivers pressurized air through a mask worn during sleep; a dental device designed to keep the airway open; and an oral medication combining atomoxetine and oxybutynin.” Full

Real-World Data Shows Less AFib, All-Cause Mortality With Zanubrutinib Than Ibrutinib in B-Cell Malignancies

(5/8, Mary Caffrey, AJMC) reports “...Having a large-world analysis offers evidence that zanubrutinib offers a safer option for patients over ibrutinib, particularly with respect to cardiovascular effects such as AF/AFL, and major bleeding. The finding that zanubrutinib offered an overall survival benefit merits further study. The authors conclude that when cardiovascular safety is a priority—such as in older patients or those with underlying cardiac risk factors—zanubrutinib should be the preferred BTK inhibitor.” Full

As GLP-1 Use Expands, Long-Term Safety Questions Remain Under Watch

(5/8, Danielle Valletti, Pharmacy Times) reports “...A FAERS liver-failure report for newly approved orforglipron underscores challenges separating true drug signals from background incidence, reporting bias, and confounding in early real-world pharmacovigilance...The expanding GLP-1 landscape reflects both therapeutic progress and the need for continued vigilance. Although current evidence supports a favorable benefit-risk profile, interpreting emerging safety signals will be critical as real-world data further define long-term risks.” Full

Trump Approves Plan to Fire FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, Sources Say

(5/11, Kristin Brown, Ed O'Keefe, Michael Kaplan, CBS News) reports “President Trump has approved a plan to fire Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary, according to two sources...Makary has not been notified of his firing yet, according to a senior Health and Human Services official who also told CBS News that he has a lot of support inside HHS.” Full

Providers Fret ‘Rocky’ Rollout of WISeR Prior Authorization Pilot

(5/11, Bridget Early, Modern Healthcare) reports “...Some Arizona hospitals are experiencing disruptions in the prior authorization approval process that is hindering patient care, said Ann-Marie Alameddin, president and CEO of the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association...Doctors in Washington are having a hard time communicating with Virtix Health, the WISeR vendor in the state, said Jeb Shepard, director of policy at Washington State Medical Association.” Subscription Required

Ireland: HIQA Begins COVID Vaccination Assessment

(5/9, Michael McHale, Irish Medical Times) reports “...The assessment will estimate the burden of disease associated with COVID-19 in Ireland and the economic implications associated with various potential vaccination strategies to control the virus. The findings will inform HIQA’s advice on who should be targeted for COVID vaccination from 2027/28 onwards.” Subscription Required