A preliminary application of a haemophilia value framework to emerging therapies in haemophilia
Authors: Skinner Mark W. , Dolan Gerry , Eichler Hermann , O'Mahony Brian ,   International Haemophilia Access Strategy Council
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Emergence of new therapies are anticipated to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life of persons with haemophilia. Challenges in conducting randomized clinical trials in rare diseases have resulted in a lack of direct head‐to‐head comparisons to support value‐based decision‐making between different treatments.

Methods

We conducted a literature review for new and emerging haemophilia A and B therapies (extended half‐life [EHL] replacement factor, non‐replacement therapies [NRT], and gene therapies [GT]) to identify differentiating patient‐centred outcomes defined previously in a haemophilia value framework. Since the literature included all publication types (e.g., surveys, modelling studies, commentaries/reviews), collected data were assigned level of evidence scores.

Results

Across different classes of therapies, bleeding was determined as the most frequently reported differentiating outcome, with EHL, NRT, and GT each demonstrating an advantage over comparator replacement therapies. EHL therapies for haemophilia A and B and NRT for haemophilia A showed good representation across Tier 1 outcomes (health status achieved/retained), while more publications were identified with Tier 2 (process of recovery) outcomes for NRT than EHL or GT. In Tier 3 (sustainability of health), frequency of breakthrough bleeds represented a differentiating outcome for EHL (both haemophilia A and B), NRT (haemophilia A only), and GT (haemophilia B only), whereas sustained good health was differentiating for most comparisons.

Conclusions

We demonstrate the utility of the haemophilia value framework as a common core outcome set for effectively comparing therapies. Application of this framework will serve as a useful decision‐making tool for patients, clinicians, and within health technology assessments.

KEY POINTS OF CONSIDERATION

With the emergence of high‐cost, paradigm changing treatments across multiple areas of medicine, we, the haemophilia community, need to be equipped to meet the growing demands for more rigorous evidence‐based value assessments using the tools expected by assessors.

The traditional access toolbox needs to evolve to meet the paradigm shift in treatment options. Value can no longer be defined by annualized bleed rates alone. To realize the full impact of new therapies, we need to utilize tools, such as a value framework, to organize evidence, identify data gaps, and assess patient‐defined, meaningful outcomes across a multi‐faceted dimension.

The haemophilia value framework is an effective tool for organizing the available evidence and identifying gaps in the evidence. This can be used for assessing the value of emerging therapies in haemophilia utilizing data generated through randomized clinical trials and real world evidence generation.

This is a call for incorporating the Value Framework into official submissions to authorities, as it captures a broader range of outcomes, including patient meaningful outcomes, in ways that better assess the potential benefits of new therapies.